MXPA06006095A - Toner cartridge, image forming apparatus, method of recycling toner cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

An insertion passage 104Y for inserting a suction nozzle 73Y fixed to an image forming apparatus is provided on a holder 102Y, and a connecting passage 114Y that connects the insertion passage 104Y and a toner storage section 106Y of the holder 102Y is provided. After the toner sent from bottle 101Y to the holder 102Y falls towards the connecting passage 104Y, the toner flows into the suction nozzle 73Y through the connecting passage 114Y and is then discharged out of the holder 102Y. An airtightness between the insertion passage 114Y and the suction nozzle 73Y inserted into the insertion passage 114 Y is superior than an airtightness between the bottle 101Y and the holder 102Y engaged with the bottle 101Y.

Description

TONER CARTRIDGE, IMAGE FORMAT DEVICE, METHOD FOR RECYCLING TONER CARTRIDGES TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a technology for recycling toner cartridges of imaging apparatuses.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Imaging apparatuses generally employ an electrophotography method or a direct recording method for forming toner images on a recording medium. Copiers, facsimile machines, printers are examples of an image forming apparatus. In the electrophotography method, a toner image is first formed in a latent image carrier, such as a photosensitive drum, and then the toner image is transferred to a recording medium. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2002-307737 describes the direct recording method. In a direct recording medium, a toner image is formed directly in a recording medium. Because the toner is consumed as the images are formed, it is necessary to periodically refill the toner. In general, when the toner is refilled, the old and empty toner cartridge is replaced with a new and full toner cartridge. To reduce the frequency of replacement of the toner cartridge, it is better that the toner cartridges have a larger capacity to accommodate the toner. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-18138 and Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2004-139031 disclose various toner cartridges. FIG. 16 is a schematic of a toner refill unit of an image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-18138. In this conventional matter, the toner cartridge is fixed vertically in the image forming apparatus. However, this structure limits freedom of distribution. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-139031. This toner cartridge is fixed horizontally in an image forming apparatus. However, this toner cartridge can be attached or separated only from the upper side of the image forming apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge that can be installed in and separated from the side surface of an image forming apparatus, and that can be fixed not only vertically but also horizontally. . A second object is to provide a toner cartridge that is configured to prevent misalignment of the holder member of the receptacle due to the rotation of the toner container, and which can be fixed not only vertically but also horizontally. A third object is to provide a toner cartridge that is configured to discharge a stable amount of toner to the image forming apparatus, and which can be fixed not only vertically but also horizontally to allow freedom in distribution. Objects, features, advantages and other technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

MEANS FOR RESOLVING THE PROBLEM According to one aspect of the present invention, a toner cartridge includes a toner container configured to accommodate the toner, the toner container having an opening, and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner container. toner so that the receptacle holder member covers or closes the opening and holds the toner receptacle in a rotatable manner, and as the toner receptacle rotates, the toner in the toner receptacle passes the receptacle holder member through the toner receptacle. opening, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which an insertion channel is formed to insert a tube member configured to be fixed to an image forming apparatus, and is formed so that the insertion channel it extends along a direction parallel to a direction of rotation axis of the toner container. According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image in a recording body, a toner cartridge that accommodates the toner to be delivered to the toner forming unit. toner image and is separated from the image forming apparatus, and a suction unit which sucks the toner from the toner cartridge and brings the toner to the toner image forming unit, wherein the toner cartridge includes a toner container configured to accommodate toner, the toner receptacle having an aperture, and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner receptacle so that the receptacle holder member covers or closes the aperture and holds the toner container in a rotatable, custom-made manner that the toner container rotates, the toner in the toner container passes to the receptacle holder member through the aperture, and n wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which an insertion channel is formed to insert a tube member configured to be fixed to an image forming apparatus, and is formed such that the insertion channel is extends along a direction parallel to a direction of rotation axis of the toner container, wherein the suction unit sucks the toner into the receptacle holder member through the tube member inserted in the insert member. According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus uses a toner cartridge including a toner container configured to accommodate toner, the toner container having an aperture.; and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner receptacle so that the receptacle holder member covers and closes the opening and holds the toner container rotatably, and as the toner receptacle rotates, the toner in the receptacle of the receptacle rotates. toner passes to the receptacle holder member - through the opening, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which an insertion channel is formed for inserting a tube member configured to be attached to an apparatus image former, and is formed such that the insertion channel extends along a direction parallel to a direction of rotation axis of the toner container, wherein a connection channel connects the insertion channel and a section of storage of toner in the receptacle holder member, and then the toner sent from the toner receptacle to the receptacle holder member ca e in the connecting channel, the toner flows in the tube member through the connecting channel to be discharged out of the receptacle holding member, and airtightness between the insertion channel on a downstream side in a conveying direction of toner of the connecting channel and the tube member inserted into the insertion channel is superior to an air tightness between the toner container on an upstream side in the direction of toner transportation of the connecting channel and the retaining member of the connecting channel. In the receptacle, the image forming apparatus includes a carrier unit that carries the toner from the receptacle holder member to the toner image forming unit through the tube member when sucking the toner into the receptacle holder member through the tube member. . According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for recycling a toner cartridge includes a toner receptacle that accommodates toner and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner receptacle so that the receptacle holder member covers an aperture formed in the toner container and holding the toner container so that the toner container can rotate, in which after the toner in the toner container is sent to the receptacle holder member of the rotary opening of the toner container , the toner is discharged out of the receptacle holder member and then the toner is filled into the toner receptacle, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which an insertion channel is formed for. inserting a tube member configured to be fixed to an image forming apparatus, and formed so that the insertion channel extends along a direction parallel to a rotation axis direction of the toner container, the method includes removing the toner receptacle of the receptacle holder member, filling the toner in the toner receptacle after stirring, and fixing the toner receptacle in the receptacle holder member after refilling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of an internal structure of a printer according to a modality; FIG. 2 is a detailed side view of a process cartridge Y (Yellow) shown in Fig. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective external view of the toner cartridge for Y. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge gear section for Y in a toner refill unit; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a disassembled toner cartridge; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a front end of a toner cartridge before being fixed to the toner refill unit; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the front end of the toner cartridge; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the front end of the toner cartridge with the toner refill unit being fixed; FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the toner refill unit and its surrounding structure; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a suction pump for Y in the toner refill unit. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a profile of a projection image in a direction of rotation axis of a bottle of a fastener in a toner cartridge for M (Magenta); FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a profile of a projection image in a direction of rotation axis of a bottle of a fastener in a toner cartridge for C (Cyan); FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a profile of a projection image in a direction of rotation axis of a bottle of a fastener in a toner cartridge for K (Black); FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a profile of a projection image in a direction of rotation axis of a bottle of a fastener in a toner cartridge for Y; FIG. 15 is a front view showing a side plate of the same toner refill unit; FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional toner refill unit; and FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a conventional toner cartridge.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K process cartridge (one part of the toner image forming unit) 20 optical writing unit (one part of the toner image forming unit) 40 transfer unit (one part of the toner image forming unit) 70 toner refill unit 71Y toner gear section (one part of the positioning member) 73Y suction nozzle (tube member) 75Y positioning bracket (profusion) 100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K toner cartridge 101Y bottle (toner receptacle) 102Y fastener (receptacle holder member) 104Y nozzle insert section (insertion section) 105Y cap (one part of gear section) ) 106Y toner storage section (one part of gear section) 107Y O-ring (non-porous sealing member) 114Y connecting channel BEST MODE (S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these modalities. A mode of an electrophotographic printer (hereinafter, "printer") is described below as an image forming apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 1 is a schematic of an internal structure of the printer. The printer includes four 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K process cartridges to create toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black (hereinafter, "Y, M, C and K"), respectively. process 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K use toner of different colors Y, M, C and K, but they have the same structure, and they are replaced when they reach their end of use The 1Y process cartridge to create a toner image Y is taken as an example in FIG 2. The 1Y process cartridge includes a 2Y photosensitive drum, a drum cleaning unit 3Y, a discharge unit (not shown), a loading unit 4Y, and a 5Y development unit. The 1Y process cartridge is separable from the printer, and consumables can be replaced. The 1M, 1C and 1K process cartridges also include 2M, 2C and 2K photosensitive drums, respectively. The charging unit 4Y uniformly charges a surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y which is rotated in a clockwise direction by a drive unit not shown). The charging unit 4Y charges the photosensitive drum 2Y by causing a charge roller 6Y, which is driven and rotated in a counterclockwise direction, to make contact with the photosensitive drum 2Y, and apply a charge deviation for a power supply (not shown). A charging brush can be used to make contact with the photosensitive drum 2Y, instead of the charging roller 6Y. In addition, the loading unit 4Y can be a scortoron charger that performs a non-contact charging process on the photosensitive drum. The loaded surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y is scanned by being exposed to a laser light emitted from an optical writing unit, to hold an electro-static latent image for Y. The development unit 5Y includes a first layout section of developer 8Y in which a first transport screw 7Y is placed. In addition, the development unit 5Y has a second developer accommodation section 13Y equipped with a toner density sensor (hereinafter, "sensor T") 9Y formed by a magnetic permeability sensor, a second transport screw 10Y , a developer roller 11Y, and a blade 12Y. These two developer accommodation sections accommodate a developer Y (not shown), composed of a magnetic carrier and a Y-toner negatively charged. The first transport screw 7Y carries the developer Y within the first developer accommodation section 8Y from a front side as seen in the diagram to a rear side when operated and rotated by a drive unit (not shown). The developer Y then enters the second developer accommodation section 13Y through a continuous opening (not shown) provided on a partition wall between the first developer accommodation section 8Y and the second developer accommodation section 13Y. The second transport screw 10Y in the second developer accommodation section 13Y carries the developer Y from the front side as seen in the diagram to the rear side being operated and rotated by a drive unit (not shown). The developer toner density Y being taken away is detected by the fixed T 9Y sensor at the bottom of the second developer layout section 13Y. In this way, on an upper side of the second transport screw 10Y, the developer roller 11Y including a magnet roller 15Y within a magnetic tube 14Y, driven and rotated in the counterclockwise direction, is placed in parallel. The developer Y carried by the second transport screw 10Y is dragged on a surface of the nonmagnetic tube 14Y by a magnetic force generated by the magnet roller 15Y. Then, after the thickness of a developer layer Y is regulated by the blade 12Y placed at a predetermined distance between the non-magnetic tube 14Y, the developer Y is brought to a development area giving the photosensitive drum 2Y, and the toner And it adheres to the electrostatic latent image for Y in the photosensitive drum 2Y. According to the above, an image of toner Y is formed in the photosensitive drum 2Y. The developer Y in which the toner Y has been consumed by development is returned to the second transport screw 10Y by rotation of the non-magnetic tube 14Y. As the developer Y is brought to a front side as seen in the diagram, go back to the first developer layout section 8Y and through the opening continues. A result of detection of the magnetic permeability of the developer Y by the sensor T 9Y is transmitted as a voltage signal to a control section (not shown). Since the developer's magnetic permeability Y correlates with the developer's toner density Y, the T sensor emits a voltage of a value corresponding to the toner density of the Y toner. The control section is equipped with a Random Access Memory (RAM) which stores Vtref data for Y which is an objective value of the output voltage of the T 9Y sensor, and a Vtref for M, Vtref for C and Vtref for K, which are target values of the emission voltage of the T 9Y sensor for M, C and K installed in the other development units. The development unit 5Y compares the value of the emission voltage of the sensor T 9Y and Vtref for Y, and drives a toner supply unit for Y, for a time corresponding to a comparison result. Accordingly, an appropriate amount of the toner Y is supplied in the first developer accommodation section 8Y for the developer Y, in which the density of the toner Y has reduced by consumption. Therefore, the density of the Y toner of the developer Y in the second developer accommodation section 13Y is maintained in a predetermined range. A similar toner supply control is made for the developers of the process cartridges (1M, 1C and 1K) for other colors. The image of toner Y formed in the photosensitive drum 2Y is subjected to an intermediate transfer to an intermediate transfer belt. The drum cleaning unit 3Y removes the remaining toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y after the intermediate transfer process. The surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y is discharged by the discharge unit. Due to the discharge, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y starts and is ready for the next image formation. In the 1M, 1C, and 1K process cartridges shown in FIG. 1, the toner images M, C and K are formed in a similar manner in photosensitive drums 2M, 2C and 2K and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. In FIG. 1, below the process cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K, an optical writing unit 20 is placed. The optical writing unit 20, which is a latent imaging unit, radiates a laser beam L on a base 'a the image information in each photosensitive drum in each of the 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K process cartridges. In this way, electrostatic latent images for Y, M, C, and K are formed on photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K, respectively. The optical writing unit 20 deflects the laser beam L emitted from a light source by a polygon mirror 21 driven and rotated by a motor, and radiates the light beam L of the photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C and 2K. Under the writing unit 20, a • first paper feeder cassette 31 and a second paper feeder cassette 32 are arranged so that they coincide in a vertical direction. In each of these paper feeder cassettes, the transfer paper sheets P are stacked. A first paper feeder roller 31a and a second paper feeder roller 32a are in contact with an upper sheet of transfer paper P in the first paper feeder cassette 31 and the second feeder cassette. of paper 32, respectively. When the first paper feeder roller 31a is driven and rotated in a counterclockwise direction by a drive unit (not shown), the transfer paper P on top of the first paper feeder cassette 31 it is discharged to a paper feeder channel 33 installed along a vertical direction on the right side of the cassettes as shown in the diagram. Further, when the second paper feeder roller 32a is driven and rotated in a counterclockwise direction by a drive unit (not shown), the transfer paper P on the top in the second paper feed cassette 32 is discharged to the paper feeder channel 33. A plurality of pairs of conveyor rollers 34 are positioned along the paper feeder channel 33, and the transfer paper P fed to the paper feeder channel 33 is drilled between these pairs of paper. conveyor rollers 34 and brought to an upper side of the paper feeder channel 33. At a rear end of the paper feeder channel 33 a pair of register rollers 35 is placed. As the transfer paper P which is fed by the pair of conveyor rollers 34 is drilled between the pair of recording rollers 35, the rotation of both rollers stops for a time. Then, the pair of register rollers 35 transfers the transfer paper P to an appropriate synchronization towards a secondary transfer tip. Above the 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K process cartridges there is provided an intermediate transfer unit 40 including an intermediate transfer belt 41 that moves endlessly in the counterclockwise direction. The intermediate transfer unit 40 further includes a belt cleaning unit 42, a first bracket 43, a second bracket 44, primary transfer rollers 45Y, 45M, 45C and 45K, a secondary transfer support roller 46, an actuator roller 47, an auxiliary roller 48, and a tension roller 49. The intermediate transfer belt 41 is stretched over these eight rollers, and moves in the counterclockwise direction when driven and rotated by the drive roller 47. The Intermediate transfer belt 41 is drilled between the four primary transfer rollers 45Y, 45M, 45C and 45K and the photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C and 2K, forming primary transfer tips, respectively. On a reverse side (peripheral surface within the cycle) of the intermediate transfer belt 41, a transfer deviation of a polarity opposite that of the toner (for example, positive) is applied. As the intermediate transfer belt 41 passes over the primary transfer tips for Y, M, C and K one after the other, the toner images Y, M, C and K on the photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C and 2K are superimposed and transferred on a front side of the intermediate transfer belt 41. In this way, a four-color toner superimposed image (hereinafter, "four color toner image") is formed on the belt intermediate transfer 41. The secondary transfer backing roller 46 forms a secondary transfer tip by piercing the intermediate transfer belt 41 with a secondary transfer roller 50 which is placed on an outer side of the intermediate transfer belt 41. The pair of register rollers 35 described above feeds the transfer paper P to the secondary transfer tip at a time synchronized with the four-color toner image on the transfer belt. e intermediate transfer 41. The four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is subjected to a secondary transfer, to be transferred to the transfer paper P at the secondary transfer point. The secondary transfer is performed by tip pressure and a secondary electric transfer field formed between the secondary transfer support roller 46 and the secondary transfer roller 50 applied with a secondary transfer bypass. Combined with a white transfer paper color, the four-color toner image becomes a full-color toner image. The remaining toner after the secondary transfer adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 41 after passing through the secondary transfer tip. This toner is cleaned by the belt cleaning unit 42. Above the secondary transfer tip, a fixing unit 60 including a pressurizing roller 61 and a fixing belt unit 62 is provided. The fixing strap unit 62 includes a fixing strap 64 that moves endlessly in the counterclockwise direction, stretching over a heating roller 63, a tension roller 65, and an actuator roller 66. The roller heater 63 includes a heat generating source such as a halogen lamp and heats the fixing strap 64 from a reverse side. The pressurizing roller 61 is driven and rotated in the clockwise direction, and is brought into contact with a front side of the fixing strap 64, opposite the heating roller 63. In this way, a tip of Fixation is formed between the pressurizing roller 61 and the heating roller 63. The transfer paper P passing the secondary transfer tip, after being separated from the intermediate transfer belt 41, is fed into the fixing unit 60. When the takes from the lower side to the upper side in the diagram while drilling into the fixing tip, is heated by the fixing strap 64, and pressurized, so that the full color toner image is fixed on the transfer paper P After the fixing process, the transfer paper P is discharged out of the printer after passing through a pair of discharge rollers 67. On a top surface of a printing box Now, there is a stacking section 68, and the transfer paper P discharged from the printer by the pair of discharge rollers 67 is stacked one after the other in the stacking section 6.8. On an upper side of the intermediate transfer unit 40, four toner cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K that accommodate the toners Y, M, C and K are arranged. The Y, M, C and K toners in the 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K toner cartridges are supplied to the development units of the 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K processing cartridges. Each of these 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K toner cartridges are separable from the 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K process cartridges, respectively. In the printer, the four process cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K, the optical writing unit 20, and the intermediate transfer unit 40 etc. Etc., form a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on the transfer paper. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 100Y. The toner cartridge 100Y includes a bottle 101Y accommodating the toner Y (not shown) and a cylinder-shaped fastener 102Y. The fastener 102Y engages with a front end of the bottle 101Y so as to cover an opening at a front end of the bottle 101Y, and holds the bottle 101Y so that the bottle 101Y can rotate. A profusion 103Y in a screw shape protrudes from an outer side towards an inner side of the bottle 101Y, along its peripheral surface. When the bottle 101Y is driven by an actuator system (not shown), the toner Y in the bottle 101Y moves along the profusion 103Y from the bottom of the bottle 101Y to a front end side of the bottle 101Y. So, the toner Y enters the holder 102Y through the opening provided in the front end of the bottle 101Y, which is a receptacle that accommodates the toner. At an end side of the fastener 102Y in an axial direction of the bottle, an opening that receives the nozzle 109Y is formed. This opening that receives the nozzle 109Y is for receiving a suction nozzle, which is fixed to one side of the printer. On both sides of the opening that receives the nozzle 109Y, there are openings that receive the positioning fastener TODAY, each having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the opening that receives the nozzle. These openings receiving the positioning bracket TODAY are formed in a changed position of an axis of rotation of the bottle 101Y. In addition, a fastener insertion channel (not shown) is formed within each of the openings that receive the positioning fastener TODAY, extending along a direction parallel to the direction of rotation axis of the bottle 101Y. The bottle 101Y is made of a resin material having high rigidity, so as not to be deformed by an impact when it is rotated by a drive gear. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cartridge gear section 71Y which is a part of a toner refill unit (described later). This cartridge gear section 71Y is fixed to an upper end of a transport tube 72Y for carrying a toner Y so a suction nozzle 73Y which is a tube member extends in a horizontal direction. In a portion of the front end of the suction nozzle 73Y, an opening that receives the toner 74Y to receive the toner Y is formed. In addition, on both sides of the suction nozzle 73Y, the positioning clips 75Y in the shape of a rod are formed, and fix so as to extend in the horizontal direction (a direction parallel to the eg rotation of the bottle). ). A portion of the front end of the positioning clamp 75Y which is a profusion of the cartridge gear section 71Y, which is a positioning member, protrudes more than the front end of the suction nozzle 73Y. The cartridge gear sections 71M, 71C and 71K for colors other than Y have the same configuration as the cartridge gear section 71Y, and also include transport tubes 72M, 72C and 72K, respectively. When the toner cartridge 100Y shown in FIG. 3 in a toner refill unit, the two positioning clips 75Y of the cartridge gear section 71Y shown in FIG. 4 are inserted into the two openings receiving the positioning bra TODAY of the fastener 102Y. In this way, the toner cartridge for Y is fixed not only to the toner refill unit but also to the printer. The suction nozzle 73And shown in the F1G. 4 is inserted into the opening that receives the nozzle 109Y of the toner cartridge for Y shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the 100Y toner cartridge. The fastener 102Y which is a receptacle holder member of the toner cartridge 100Y includes a gear section that meshes with the bottle 101Y and a nozzle insert section 104Y formed separately. The manufacturing process is facilitated since these sections are formed separately. In addition, the gear section has a lid 105Y covering an opening (not shown) at a front end of the bottle 101Y while meshing with the bottle 101Y, and a toner storage section 106Y temporarily storing the toner. The cylindrical toner storage section 106Y has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical cap 105Y, to fit in the cap 105Y. An O-ring 107Y made of rubber, which is a non-porous material, is provided between the toner storage section 106Y and the lid 105Y. This maintains a superior air tightness between an inner peripheral surface of the lid 105Y and an outer peripheral surface of the toner storage section 106Y. A dent is formed in a lower portion of the toner storage section 106Y, and the nozzle insertion section 104Y is fitted in this dent. An O-ring 108Y made of rubber that is a non-porous material is provided between the toner storage section 106Y and the nozzle insertion section 104Y. This maintains a high air tightness between a recessed inner peripheral surface of the toner storage section 106Y and a protruding outer peripheral surface for adjusting the nozzle insertion section 104Y. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a front end of the toner cartridge 100Y before being fixed to the toner refill unit. A portion of the cylindrical front end of the bottle 101Y has a diameter smaller than that of a main unit of the bottle 101Y (hereinafter, "smaller portion"), and an opening is formed at a front end of this portion smaller. A gear 111Y having a gear wheel for meshing with a drive gear protrudes from a peripheral surface of the smaller portion. A latching section 112Y projecting a little from an outer peripheral surface of the smaller portion is formed in front of the gear 111Y towards the front end side of the bottle 101Y. A cylindrical space for receiving the smallest portion of the bottle 101Y is formed in the lid 105Y of the fastener 102Y. A profusion 113Y protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cover 105Y. The smaller portion is rotatably engaged in the lid 105Y, so that the latching section 112Y passes over the profusion 113Y to engage within the lid 105Y. In the nozzle insertion section 104Y, a profusion of fit protrudes from an upper surface of a nozzle in the shape of a tube, and this profusion of fit is adjusted to a bottom of the 106Y toner storage section inside the lid 105Y. A connecting channel 114Y is formed in the profusion of adjustment, and this connecting channel 114Y is connected to an insertion channel 115Y extending in a direction / parallel to the axial direction of the bottle 101Y, in the nozzle. The connecting channel 114Y extends straight, in an orthogonal direction. to the direction of rotation axis of the bottle 101Y, and therefore, the toner Y may fall under its own weight in the suction nozzle 73Y without stagnation.

A plug member 116Y has the same diameter as that of the suction nozzle (73Y) which is slidably inserted in the insertion channel 115Y. Accordingly, when the opening of the connecting channel 114Y is closed by the sealing member 116Y and when the suction nozzle 73Y is inserted in the insertion channel 115Y, the air tightness between an exterior of the fastener 102Y and the connecting channel 114Y can remain the same. In this way, when the cartridge having the suction nozzle 73Y inserted into the connecting channel 114Y is not fixed, it is possible to prevent the toner from spilling out of the toner storage section 106Y through the connecting channel 114Y. In addition, when the cartridge is fixed, the deterioration in the toner transport ability by air suction is effectively prevented. Since the shutter member 116Y is placed immediately below the connecting channel 114Y, the connecting channel 114Y and the insertion channel 115Y are closed together. One end of the insertion channel 115Y corresponds to the opening that receives the nozzle 109Y shown in FIG. 3.

The toner that enters the toner storage section 106Y of the smaller portion falls by its own weight and accumulates in the connecting channel 114Y of the nozzle insertion section 104Y. The profusion of adjustment to adjust the insertion section of the nozzle 104Y in the toner storage section 106Y functions as a bottom of the toner storage section 106Y. Since the connection channel 114Y of the profusion of adjustment has a conical shape, it functions as a hopper that collects toner in the bottom due to a constriction. In this way, the toner can fall smoothly. Since a front end of the connecting channel 114Y is closed by the sealing member 116Y, the toner does not flow into the insertion channel 115Y of the connecting channel 114Y. In addition, the toner is prevented from spilling out of the insertion channel 115Y before the toner cartridge 100Y is fixed. In addition, the toner can flow from the toner storage section 106Y to the suction nozzle 73Y, as the opening automatically opens when the cartridge is fixed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of the front end of the toner cartridge 100Y. In this diagram, for lack of convenience, the lid (105Y) of the fastener 102Y is omitted. An annular seal 118Y in the form of a ring made of sponge, which is a porous as well as elastic material, is fixed by sticking to an end portion of the side of the bottle 101Y in the toner storage section 106Y. As shown in FIG. 6, the front end of the bottle 101Y rotatably engaged with the cap 105Y abuts against the annular seal 118Y fixed to the end portion of the toner storage section 106Y, so that the bottle 101Y is prevented from changing. This improves air tightness between an inner peripheral surface of the bottle 101Y which is a receptacle that accommodates the toner and an outer peripheral surface of the lid 105Y. While the toner cartridge 100Y is attached to a cartridge mounting platform of the toner refill unit, a door (not shown), provided on a side plate of the printer case, is opened. As this door opens, the cartridge mounting platform of the toner refill unit in the box is exposed. The cartridge mounting platform is provided with four parallel dents in the form of a medium cylinder for mounting the four toner cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K in parallel. An operator releases the toner cartridge 100Y so that the clip 102Y is placed on a front end. Then, after mounting the fastener 102Y at one end of the dent for Y from among the four half-cylindrical dents provided on the cartridge mounting platform, the entire cartridge moves as it slides along the direction of rotation axis of the bottle so that the entire cartridge is inserted. By this sliding movement, the 100Y toner cartridge is inserted to a predetermined position and is set on the cartridge mounting platform. In FIG. 4 mentioned above, the two positioning clips 75Y of the section engaging the cartridge 71Y in the toner refill unit protrude more than the front end of the suction nozzle 73Y. In addition, the positioning clips 75Y are conical, so that the tips are narrow.

Halfway through the operation of inserting the toner cartridge into the cartridge mounting platform, the conical tips of these two positioning clips 75Y enter the two openings that receive the TOD positioning bracket of the toner cartridge 100Y shown in FIG. 3. Then, when the 100Y toner cartridge is inserted further, the rear end sides of the positioning clips 75Y, which are wider than the tips, enter the opening that receives the positioning bracket TODAY. This places a cartridge position - 100Y toner in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis, on the cartridge mounting platform. After the position is fixed, the suction nozzle 73Y in the cartridge gear section 71Y of the toner refill unit shown in FIG. 4 enters the opening that receives the nozzle 109Y of the fastener 102Y shown in FIG. 3. Then, at a point where the suction nozzle 73Y is pushed a certain degree into the insertion channel (115Y), the fixation of the 100Y toner cartridge is completed. In this way, the toner cartridge can be installed in and separated from the side surface of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the front end portion of the toner cartridge 100Y affixed to the toner refill unit. When the toner cartridge 100Y is fixed to the cartridge mounting platform of the toner refill unit (not shown), the suction nozzle 73Y fixed to the toner refill unit is inserted into the insertion channel 115Y of the toner refill unit. nozzle insertion section 104Y in the holder 102Y. At this time, in the insertion channel 115Y, the shutter member 116Y placed to the right under the connecting channel 114Y moves by sliding from the right side to the left side in the diagram being pushed to the front end of the suction nozzle 73Y inserted into the insertion channel 115Y. then, the shutter member 116Y moves away from the right position under the connecting channel 114Y, to a right position under the toner receiving aperture (74Y in FIG. 4) provided in the front end portion of the nozzle . 73Y suction. In this manner, the toner storage section 106Y and the suction nozzle 73Y are connected through the connecting channel 114Y of the nozzle insertion section 104Y. Two O-rings 117Y made of rubber, which is a non-porous material, are fixed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion channel 115Y. The suction nozzle 73Y and the shutter member 116Y slide into the insertion passage 115Y while penetrating an inner portion of the O-rings 117Y. One of the two O-rings 117Y is located towards an inlet side (aperture receiving the nozzle) of the connecting channel 114Y and seals this location between the insertion channel 115Y and the suction nozzle 73Y, which is a tube member. Accordingly, an air inlet from a space between an inlet (opening receiving the toner) of the insertion channel 115Y and the suction nozzle 73Y, to the insertion channel 115Y is blocked. Another O-ring 117Y is located towards an outlet side from the connecting channel 114Y, and seals this location between the insertion channel 115Y and the suction nozzle 73Y. According to the above, an air inlet from a space between the outlet of the insertion channel 115Y and the suction nozzle 73Y is blocked.

As a result, it can be prevented that the transportation of the toner by suction is impeded. The toner cartridge 100Y which is fixed in the toner refill unit (not shown), causes the gear 111Y of the bottle 101Y to mesh with a drive gear 76Y fixed to the toner refill unit. As the drive gear 76Y is driven and rotated by. a drive source (not shown), due to the engagement between the drive gear 76Y and the gear 111Y, the bottle 101Y rotates while being held by the fastener 102Y. Accordingly, the toner Y in the bottle 101Y is carried from a rear end side of the bottle 101Y to a front end side of the bottle 101Y, and flows into the toner storage section 106Y of the fastener 102Y. Then, the toner Y accumulates in the connection channel 114Y which has become a background of the toner storage section 106Y. Due to a concentration of the rotational movement of the bottle 101Y, it is assumed that the holder 102Y which rotatably holds the bottle 101Y is about to rotate on the cartridge mounting platform. However, an inner wall of the fastener insertion channel within the apertures receiving the positioning fastener HOY engages in the positioning fastener 75Y. The rotation of the fastener 102Y is prevented, and therefore, the fastener 102Y is prevented from becoming misaligned. In another example, profusion and recession can be reversed. Specifically, instead of positioning clips 75Y, the section engaging the cartridge 71Y may include a recessed section extending in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the bottle. In addition, instead of the fastener insertion channel, the fastener 102Y may include a protruding section extending in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the bottle. In an area of the transport tube 72Y connected to the suction nozzle 73Y (not shown), a suction pump is switched on, and air and toner in the transport tube 72Y is sucked by operation of this suction pump. As the air and toner are sucked, the suction force is transmitted to the connecting channel 114Y and the toner storage section 106Y through the transport tube 72Y and the suction nozzle 73Y. Then, the toner Y in the toner storage section 106Y and the connecting channel 114Y is sucked into the suction nozzle 73Y. As described above, the space between the insertion channel 115Y and the suction nozzle 73Y inserted into the insertion channel 115Y is sealed by the O-ring 117Y which is a non-porous sealing member. On the other hand, a space between the lid 105Y of the fastener 102Y and the bottle 101Y meshed with the lid 105Y is sealed by the annular seal 118Y which is a porous sealing member. According to this structure, the air tightness in the space between the insertion channel 115Y and the suction nozzle 73Y is greater than airtightness in the space between the 101Y bottle and the 105Y cover. As a negative pressure is developed in the suction nozzle 73Y, the connecting channel 114Y and the toner storage section 106Y, by suction of the suction pump, air flows from the outside through the space between the bottle 101Y and the cover 105Y, where the air tightness is lower.Specifically, the air reaches the porous annular seal 118Y through a space between the inner side of the lid 105Y and an outer side of the 101Y bottle. that the air tightness between the insertion channel 115Y and the suction nozzle 73Y is maintained well by the O-ring 117Y, air is prevented from flowing through this portion in the suction nozzle 73Y.Therefore, the force The suction is suitably exerted from the toner storage section 106Y to the suction nozzle 73Y.Thus, a stable amount of the toner Y is discharged from the storage section of toner 106Y to a drying unit. 5Y roll on the printer. If the air tightness between the inside and the outside of the 100Y toner cartridge is too high, the air does not flow into the toner cartridge completely because of the suction of the suction pump. This causes the bottle 101Y to deform due to excessive negative pressure. However, in the 100Y toner cartridge, the annular seal 118Y is made of a porous material. According to the above, the toner storage section 106Y has a little negative pressure due to the toner suction, so that an appropriate amount of air flows into the toner storage section 106Y through the annular seal 118Y. This prevents deformation of bottle 101Y caused by excessive negative pressure. The 100M, 100C, and 100K toner cartridges have the same structure as the 100Y toner cartridge. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a toner refill unit 70 and its surrounding structure. The toner refill unit 70 includes a cartridge mounting platform 77, the four cartridge gear sections 71Y, 71M, 71C and 71K, and four suction pumps 78Y, 78M, 78C and 78K. The cartridge mounting platform 77 has four dents in the form of a medium cylinder for mounting in parallel the four toner cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K. On a lower side of the cartridge mounting platform 77, four development units are placed in right-hand positions under the toner cartridges of the corresponding colors. In the same diagram, for lack of convenience, only one 5Y development unit from among the four development units is shown. On a side surface of the printer box, the door that opens when a toner cartridge is refilled is provided. As this door opens, the back side of the toner refill unit 70, as seen in FIG. 9, is exposed. An operator fixes the 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K toner cartridges by pushing them in a longitudinal direction of the bottle and sliding them into the cartridge mounting platform 77. At one end of the cartridge mounting platform 77, a supporting plate of gear section to support the four sections of cartridge gear 71Y, 71M, 71C and 71 is installed. The respective suction nozzles of the cartridge gear sections 71Y, 71M, 71C and 71K are inserted into the nozzle insertion channel (not shown) of the 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K toner cartridges, which are mounted on the cartridge mounting platform 77. At the ends of the 72Y, 72M, 72C and 72K transport tubes of the cartridge gear sections 71Y, 71M, 71C and 71K, the suction pumps 78Y, 78M, 78C and 78K connect A toner refill opening E of each development unit is placed right under each of the pump sections 78Y, 78M, 78C and 78K. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the suction pump 78Y between the four pump sections 78Y, 78M, 78C and 78K. This suction pump 78Y is an eccentric screw pump (popularly known as a mono pump). A. pump section 80Y of the suction pump 78Y includes a rotor 81Y which is processed in the form of a double eccentric threaded screw made of a metal or a highly rigid resin, a stator 82Y made of a material such as rubber including a section hollow in the shape of the double thread screw, and a bra made of the resin that accommodates the rotor 81Y and the stator 82Y. In addition, the suction pump 78Y includes a supply section 83Y, and a motor 84Y that rotates the rotor 81Y. As the rotor 81Y rotates within the stator 82Y, the negative pressure develops on a suction side (right side in the diagram) in the pump section 80Y. Due to this negative pressure, the toner Y in the toner cartridge 100Y is sucked through the transport tube 72Y. Then, the toner Y reaches the pump section 80Y of the suction pump 78Y and is supplied from the supply section 83Y after passing through the stator 82Y. The supplied toner Y is filled into the development unit 5Y after passing through the toner refill opening of the development unit placed right under the 83Y supply section. The toner is filled in the same way in the development units for other colors. As described above, the bottle in the 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K toner cartridges have a short long cylindrical shape along a direction of rotation axis. In this way, a rotating peripheral surface can be easily supported compared to the case of using an angular shaped bottle. If only one end of the bottle is rotatably held by the fastener, the other end is apt to bend downward due to the weight of the toner. As a result, a considerable load is exerted on the clamping section, which can cause the toner cartridge to break. Therefore, it is necessary to support the other end side of the bottle on the platform. When the bottle is supported on the platform, and the peripheral surface of the bottle is angular, the bottle is caused to bounce. However, if the bottle is cylindrical, the bottle does not bounce, and can be supported on the platform. As shown in FIG. 6, in the 100Y toner cartridge of this printer, the holder 102Y is structured as follows. Specifically, the toner storage section 106Y which stores the toner Y sent from the bottle 101Y and the connecting channel 114Y connecting the toner storage section 106Y and the insertion channel 115Y are positioned so that the insertion channel 115Y , the connecting channel 114Y, and the toner storage section 106Y are installed in this order in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the bottle. In this way, the toner Y that is sent from the bottle 101Y to the toner storage section 106Y by its own weight, can be passed through the connecting passage 114Y and falls into the suction nozzle 73A and in the insertion channel 115Y. In the present embodiment, a non-recycled cartridge is used. Similar results can be obtained by using a recycled cartridge, such as the 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K toner cartridges. FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are schematic diagrams showing a profile of a projection image in the rotation axis direction of the fastener bottle in the 100M, 100C, 100K and 100Y toner cartridges for the M, C, K and Y toners. Each The diagram shows a profile of a projection image when the fastener projects from the rear end side of the bottle to the front end side of the bottle. Each shape of the projected image is different. Specifically, in each projection image, a rectangular profusion is formed in the upper left part of a circle. This profusion is formed by a guide member protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the fastener. However, the shape of these rectangular profusions differs slightly according to each fastener. FIG. 15 is a front view showing the side plate of the toner refill unit 70. When the door on the side plate of the printer case is opened, the side plate of the toner refill unit is exposed as shown in FIG. FIG. 15. This side plate has four openings of circular shape and having different shapes. A first, a second, a third, and a fourth opening counted from the left side in the diagram are configured to receive toner cartridges for M, C, K and Y, respectively. The shapes of the first, second, third and fourth apertures are the same as the profile shape of the projection images of the fasteners shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, respectively. For example, even if an attempt is made to insert the toner cartridge for Y having the profile shape as shown in FIG. 14 at the first opening on the far left side, the fastener engages in the opening and the insert is obstructed. In this way, a toner cartridge is prevented from being fixed in an incorrect mounting section. There are mainly two types of methods for recycling the 100Y toner cartridge, as described below. In the first recycling method, when the 100Y toner cartridge is emptied, it is recycled by performing three stages against a disassembly stage, a filling step, and a reassembly step. In the disassembly step, the bottle 101Y rotatably engaged with the holder 102Y is removed by a special purpose tool. When the bottle 101Y is removed, an opening for the toner discharge provided at a front end of the bottle 101Y is exposed. Then, in the filling step, the filling toner Y is filled into the bottle 101Y through this opening. Then, in the reassembly step, the front end of the bottle 101Y engages the fastener 102Y, so that the toner cartridge 100Y is reassembled. Second Recycling Method In the second recycling method, when the 100Y toner cartridge is emptied, it is recycled by performing three stages against a step to make a hole, a filling step, and a hole closing stage. In the step for making a hole, a hole drilled through a lower surface (base) of the rear end of the bottle 101Y. Then, in the filling step, the filling toner Y is filled through the hole, and in the hole closing stage, the hole is closed by welding the same resin material as that of the bottle 101Y. In another example, the new toner cartridge 100Y which may have an opening formed in the lower surface (base) of the rear end of the bottle 101Y, to be closed when a sealing film protrudes. The sealing film can be separated or a hole can be made in the sealing film, to perform the step of making a hole. Also, in the step to make a hole, a location to make the hole does not need to be at the base of the bottle 101Y; the hole can be made on a peripheral surface. These recycling methods can be performed for toner cartridges corresponding to any other color. In the above embodiments, a printer that forms a complete color image by using a plurality of image carriers for each color has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus that forms a complete color image by forming single color toner images of different colors on an image carrier and then superimposing and transferring them one by one to a transfer body intermediate. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that forms only a single color toner image. In addition, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image by direct recording instead of electrophotography. According to the present invention, a stable amount of the toner is discharged to an image forming apparatus, and a toner cartridge can be fixed not only vertically but also horizontally to allow freedom in the distribution. In addition, according to the present invention, a toner cartridge can be installed in- and separated from the side surface of an image forming apparatus. Further, according to the present invention, it is prevented that a fastener that engages with a toner bottle rotates and, therefore, prevents the fastener from becoming misaligned due to the rotation of the toner bottle. Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear description, the appended claims should not be limited in this manner but are constructed as including all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to a person skilled in the art that falls. just within the basic education in the present established.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS 1. Toner cartridge comprising; a toner container configured to accommodate toner, the toner container having an opening; and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner receptacle so that the receptacle holder member covers or closes the opening and holds the toner container rotatably, and as the toner receptacle rotates, the toner in the receptacle of the receptacle rotates. The toner passes the receptacle holder member through the aperture, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which an insertion channel is formed to insert a tube member configured to be attached to a tube forming device. images, and is formed such that the insertion channel extends along a direction parallel to a direction of rotation axis of the toner container. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle holder member has a first gear section configured to engage with a 'profusion of the image forming apparatus projecting along a direction parallel to the axis direction of the cartridge. rotation of the toner container in a positioning member that is affixed to the image forming apparatus, in a changed position of the axis of rotation of the toner container. 3. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle holder member has a second gear section configured to engage with a recessed section of the image forming apparatus that extends along a direction parallel to the axis direction. of rotating the toner container in a positioning member fixed to the image forming apparatus, at a position changed from the axis of rotation of the toner container. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the receptacle holder member includes a toner storage section in which the toner is stored before being discharged out of the receptacle holder member, and the insertion channel extends as far as possible. along a direction parallel to the direction of rotation axis of the toner container, and connected to the toner storage section. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the toner container has a shape of a slender and long cylinder along the direction of rotation axis. The toner cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that a connecting channel connecting the insertion channel and the toner storage section of the receptacle holder member, the insertion channel, and the toner storage section are placed in a line in this order in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction. 7. The toner cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting channel is provided so that it extends straight in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the axis of rotation. 8. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the connection channel has a cone that is made conical from the toner storage section to the insertion channel. 9. The toner cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that a sealing member closing an opening on the side of the insertion channel in the connecting channel is provided so that it can slide between a position that closes the opening in the insertion channel and a position where it exposes the opening. 10. The toner cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that a sealing member sealing a space between the tube insertion section and the sealing member in the insertion channel is fixed to an inner wall of the insertion channel of the section. of tube insertion. 11. The toner cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing member is provided at a location in the upstream insertion channel that a location is connected to the connection channel in an insertion direction of the tube member, and at a location in the downstream insertion channel that the connection location with the connection channel in the insertion direction of the tube member. 12. Toner cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that the sealing member has a. diameter equal to that of the tube member. 13. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the toner is accommodated in the toner container. 14. The toner cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that the toner is a refill toner that is filled into the toner container after the toner container is emptied when the toner is used in an image forming apparatus. 15. The toner cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that between a plurality of toner cartridges accommodating toners of different colors in the fixed toner containers in the same image forming apparatus, one form of a projection image of each of the toner cartridges. the toner pockets in the direction of rotation axis of the receptacle holder member are different. 16. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that a connecting channel connects the insertion channel and a toner storage section in the receptacle holding member, and after that the toner is sent from the toner receptacle to the member. receptacle holder falls into the connection channel, the toner flows in the tube member through the connection channel to discharge out of the receptacle holder member, and air tightness between the insertion channel on a downstream side in a direction of toner transport of the connection channel and the tube member inserted in the insertion channel is superior to an air tightness between the toner container on an upstream side in the direction of toner transportation from the connecting channel and the receptacle holder member. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that a porous sealing member made of a porous material is provided between the toner container and the receptacle holder member, and a non-porous sealing member of a non-porous material is provided. between the insertion passage and the tube member, and therefore, an air tightness between the insertion channel and the tube member is superior to an air tightness between the toner container and the receptacle holder member. 18. The toner cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that the receptacle holder member includes a gear section configured to engage with the toner container and an insertion section in which the insertion channel is formed, the insertion section being configured to conform to the gear section, and an air tightness between the gear section and the insert section is superior to an air tightness between the gear section and the toner container. The toner cartridge according to claim 18, characterized in that a porous sealing member made of a porous material is provided between the toner container and the receptacle holder member, and a non-porous sealing member made of a non-porous material is provided. provides between the gear section and the insertion section, and therefore, airtightness between the gear section and the insertion section is superior to an air tightness between the toner container and the receptacle holder member. 20. The toner cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the porous sealing member is made of an elastic material, and the toner container meshed with the receptacle holder member is inserted into the porous sealing member. 21. An image forming apparatus comprising: a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on a recording body; a toner cartridge accommodating the toner to be supplied to the toner image forming unit and separable from the image forming apparatus; and a suction unit that sucks the toner from the toner cartridge and brings the toner to the toner image forming unit, wherein the toner cartridge includes a toner container configured to accommodate the toner, the toner container having an opening, and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner container so that the receptacle holder member covers or closes the toner container. opening and holding the toner container rotatably, and as the toner container ^ rotates, the toner in the toner container passes the receptacle holder member through the opening, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a section of tube insertion in which an insertion channel is formed to insert a tube member configured to be fixed to an image forming apparatus, and is formed such that the insertion channel extends along a direction parallel to a direction. direction of rotation axis of the toner container, wherein the suction unit sucks the toner into the receiving fastener member trough through the tube member inserted in the insertion member. 22. The imaging apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, in the toner cartridge, the receptacle holder member has a first gear section configured to engage with a profusion of the image forming apparatus protruding along a direction. parallel to the axis of rotation direction of the toner container in a positioning member which is fixed to the image forming apparatus, in a changed position of the axis of rotation of the toner container; the receptacle holder member includes a toner storage section in which the toner is stored before being discharged outside the receptacle holder member, and the insertion channel extends along a direction parallel to the direction of axis of rotation of the toner container, and is connected to the toner storage section, and while the toner cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the first gear section or the second gear section of the receptacle holder member engages with a profusion or a recessed section of the positioning member before the tube member is inserted into the insertion channel. 23. The imaging apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the toner cartridge has a positioning member for positioning with respect to the image forming apparatus, wherein, in the toner cartridge, the receptacle holding member has a first section. of gear configured to engage with a profusion of the image forming apparatus that protrudes along a direction parallel to the direction of axis of rotation of the toner container in a positioning member that is affixed to the image forming apparatus, in a position Changed from the axis of rotation of the toner container, the receptacle holder member has a second gear section configured to engage with a recessed section of the image forming apparatus that is serrated along a direction parallel to the direction of rotation axis. of the toner container in a fixed positioning member to the apparatus or image former, in a changed position of the axis of rotation of the toner container, the receptacle holder member includes a toner storage section in which the toner is stored before discharging out of the receptacle holder member, and the channel of insertion extends at the length of a direction parallel to the direction of rotation axis of the toner container, and connects to the toner storage section, and the positioning member includes a profusion or a recessed section that it engages with the first gear section or the second gear section of the receptacle holder member. 24. Imaging apparatus using a toner cartridge including a toner container configured to accommodate the toner, the toner container having an opening; and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner receptacle so that the receptacle holder member covers or closes the opening and holds the toner container rotatably, and as the toner receptacle rotates, the toner in the receptacle of the receptacle rotates. The toner passes the receptacle holder member through the aperture, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which the insertion channel is formed to insert a tube member configured to be attached to a tube forming device. images, and is formed such that the insertion channel extends along a direction parallel to a direction of rotation axis of the toner container, wherein a connection channel connects the insertion channel and a storage section. of toner in the receptacle holder member, and after the toner is sent from the toner receptacle to the retainer member The projection falls into the connection channel, the toner flows in the tube member through the connection channel to be discharged out of the receptacle holder member, and the air tightness between the insertion passage on a downstream side in a conveying direction The toner of the connecting channel and the tube member inserted into the insertion channel is superior to an air tightness between the toner container on an upstream side in the direction of toner transport of the connecting channel and the retaining member of the connecting channel. receptacle, the image forming apparatus comprising: a carrying unit that carries the toner of the receptacle holder member to the toner image forming unit through the tube member by sucking the toner into the receptacle holder member through the tube member . 25. A method for recycling a toner cartridge including a toner container that accommodates the toner and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner container so that the receptacle holder member covers an aperture formed in the toner container and holds the toner container. toner container so that the toner container can rotate, in which after the toner in the toner container is sent to the receptacle holder member of the toner receptacle rotating aperture, the toner is discharged out of the member receptacle holder and then the toner is filled into the toner receptacle, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which a connecting channel is formed to insert a tube member configured to be fixed to an apparatus imager, and is formed so that the insertion step extends along a parallel direction a to a direction of rotation axis of the toner container, the method comprising: removing the toner container from the receptacle holder member; fill the toner in the toner container after removing; and fixing the toner container in the receptacle holder member in the filling. 26. A method for recycling a toner cartridge including a toner container that accommodates the toner and a receptacle holder member engaged with the toner container so that the receptacle holder member covers an aperture formed in the toner container and holds the toner container. toner container so that the toner container can rotate, wherein after the toner in the toner container is sent to the receptacle holder member of the opening by rotation of the toner container, the toner is discharged out of the member receptacle holder and then the toner is filled into the toner receptacle, wherein the receptacle holder member includes a tube insertion section in which an insertion channel is formed to insert a tube member configured to be attached to an apparatus imager, and is formed so that the insertion channel extends along a direction paral a to a direction of rotation axis of the toner container, the method comprising: cutting a hole in the toner container to fill the toner, filling the toner in the toner container through the hole; and close the hole.