IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0745476
(2003-12-24)
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등록번호 |
US-RE40021
(2008-01-22)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Ise,Tokihiko
- Taniyama,Yoshiharu
- Itoh,Shinichi
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출원인 / 주소 |
- Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
4 인용 특허 :
94 |
초록
▼
A developer cartridge which is rotatably mounted in the developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to the developing unit while rotating includes a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer outlet hole in the outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge
A developer cartridge which is rotatably mounted in the developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to the developing unit while rotating includes a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer outlet hole in the outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near one end of the cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along the rotating shaft of the cylindrical cartridge main body between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed. The developing unit has a guide for inserting the developer cartridge and a driving unit for rotating the developer cartridge, and the guide has a main body-side shutter with a hole. When the developer cartridge is mounted, the cartridge-side shutter moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, and the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of the main body-side shutter. The cylindrical cartridge main body and the main body-side shutter integrally rotate in align the developer outlet hole and the hole of the main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below the main body-side shutter. Every time this happens, the developer in the developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to the developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of the main body-side shutter.
대표청구항
▼
What is claimed is: id="DEL-S-00001" date="20080122" 1. A developer cartridge which is inserted in a direction of a rotating axis thereof and rotatably mounted in a developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to said developing unit while rotating, comprising a cylindric
What is claimed is: id="DEL-S-00001" date="20080122" 1. A developer cartridge which is inserted in a direction of a rotating axis thereof and rotatably mounted in a developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to said developing unit while rotating, comprising a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer outlet hole in an outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along said direction of the rotating axis between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed, wherein said developing unit has a guide for inserting said developer cartridge and a driving unit for rotating said developer cartridge, said guide has a main body-side shutter with a hole, and when said developer cartridge is inserted, said cartridge-side shutter of said cylindrical cartridge main body moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of said main body-side shutter, and every time said cylindrical cartridge main body and said main body-side shutter integrally rotate to align the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below said main body-side shutter, the developer in said developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to said developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter.id="DEL-S-00001" 2. A developer cartridge id="DEL-S-00002" date="20080122" according to claim 1,id="DEL-S-00002" id="INS-S-00001" date="20080122" which is inserted in a direction of a rotating axis thereof and rotatably mounted in a developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to said developing unit while rotating, comprising a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer outlet hole in an outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along said direction of the rotating axis between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed, wherein said developing unit has a guide for inserting said developer cartridge and a driving unit for rotating said developer cartridge, said guide has a main body-side shutter with a hole, and when said developer cartridge is inserted, said cartridge-side shutter of said cylindrical cartridge main body moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of said main body-side shutter, and every time said cylindrical cartridge main body and said main body-side shutter integrally rotate to align the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below said main body-side shutter, the developer in said developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to said developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter, and id="INS-S-00001" wherein a diameter a of the developer outlet hole, a diameter b of the hole of said main body-side shutter, and a diameter c of the developer replenishment port satisfy a relation of a≦b≦c. id="DEL-S-00003" date="20080122" 3. A developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge-side shutter has a hole, and fits on said cylindrical cartridge main body so the hole is movable between an opening position where the hole aligns itself with the developer outlet hole and a closing position.id="DEL-S-00003" 4. A developer cartridge id="DEL-S-00004" date="20080122" according to claim 3,id="DEL-S-00004" id="INS-S-00002" date="20080122" which is inserted in a direction of a rotating axis thereof and rotatably mounted in a developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to said developing unit while rotating, comprising a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer outlet hole in an outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along said direction of the rotating axis between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed, wherein said developing unit has a guide for inserting said developer cartridge and a driving unit for rotating said developer cartridge, said guide has a main body-side shutter with a hole, and when said developer cartridge is inserted, said cartridge-side shutter of said cylindrical cartridge main body moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of said main body-side shutter, and every time said cylindrical cartridge main body and said main body-side shutter integrally rotate to align the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below said main body-side shutter, the developer in said developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to said developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter, wherein said cartridge-side shutter has a hole, and fits on said cylindrical cartridge main body so the hole is movable between an opening position where the hole aligns itself with the developer outlet hole and a closing position, and id="INS-S-00002" wherein a diameter a of the developer outlet hole, a diameter d of the hole of said cartridge-side shutter, a diameter b of the hole of said main body-side shutter, and a diameter c of the developer replenishment port satisfy a relation of a≦d≦b≦c. id="DEL-S-00005" date="20080122" 5. A developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a spiral is formed on an inner surface of said cylindrical cartridge main body.id="DEL-S-00005" id="DEL-S-00006" date="20080122" 6. A developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said guide and said driving unit are integrated.id="DEL-S-00006" id="DEL-S-00007" date="20080122" 7. A developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a toner scattering prevention seal is attached near the developer outlet hole of said cylindrical cartridge main body.id="DEL-S-00007" id="DEL-S-00008" date="20080122" 8. A developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said main body-side shutter is made of an elastic material.id="DEL-S-00008" id="DEL-S-00009" date="20080122" 9. A developer cartridge which is rotatably mounted in a developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to said developing unit while rotating, comprising a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer outlet hole in an outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along a rotating shaft of said cylindrical cartridge main body between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed, wherein said developing unit has a guide for inserting said developer cartridge and a driving unit for rotating said developer cartridge, said guide has a main body-side shutter with a hole, and when said developer cartridge is mounted, said cartridge-side shutter of said cylindrical cartridge main body moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of said main body-side shutter, and every time said cylindrical cartridge main body and said main body-side shutter integrally rotate to align the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below said main body-side shutter, the developer in said developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to said developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter, wherein said cylindrical cartridge main body is supported by a roller which is in contact with the outer surface and made of an elastic material.id="DEL-S-00009" id="DEL-S-00010" date="20080122" 10. A developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a projection for preventing said cartridge-side shutter from slipping off is formed on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body.id="DEL-S-00010" 11. A developer cartridge id="DEL-S-00011" date="20080122" according to claim 1,id="DEL-S-00011" id="INS-S-00003" date="20080122" which is inserted in a direction of a rotating axis thereof and rotatably mounted in a developing unit of an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to said developing unit while rotating, comprising a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer outlet hole in an outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along said direction of the rotating axis between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed, wherein said developing unit has a guide for inserting said developer cartridge and a driving unit for rotating said developer cartridge, said guide has a main body-side shutter with a hole, and when said developer cartridge is inserted, said cartridge-side shutter of said cylindrical cartridge main body moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of said main body-side shutter, and every time said cylindrical cartridge main body and said main body-side shutter integrally rotate to align the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below said main body-side shutter, the developer in said developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to said developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter,id="INS-S-00003" wherein an inner surface of said cartridge-side shutter and a surface of said cylindrical cartridge main body along which said cartridge-side shutter moves are threaded to mesh with each other, and said cartridge-side shutter is rotated to move on the surface of said cylindrical cartridge main body and stops at an unthreaded portion. id="DEL-S-00012" date="20080122" 12. An image forming apparatus comprising a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing body with a developer, and a transfer unit for transferring the developed developer image onto a transfer medium, wherein said developing unit has a developer cartridge which is inserted in a direction of a rotating axis thereof and rotatably mounted to supply the developer to said developing unit while rotating, a guide for inserting said developer cartridge, and a driving unit for rotating said developer cartridge; said developer cartridge has a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer inlet hole in an outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along said direction of the rotating axis between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed; said guide has a main body-side shutter with a hole; and when said developer cartridge is inserted, said cartridge-side shutter of said cylindrical cartridge main body moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of said main body-side shutter, and every time said cylindrical cartridge main body and said main body-side shutter integrally rotate to align the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below said main body-side shutter, the developer in said developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to said developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter.id="DEL-S-00012" id="DEL-S-00013" date="20080122" 13. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a diameter a of the developer outlet hole, a diameter b of the hole of said main body-side shutter, and a diameter c of the developer replenishment port satisfy a relation of a≦b≦c.id="DEL-S-00013" id="DEL-S-00014" date="20080122" 14. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said cartridge-side shutter has a hole, and fits on said cylindrical cartridge main body so the hole is movable between an opening position where the hole aligns itself with the developer outlet hole and a closing position.id="DEL-S-00014" id="DEL-S-00015" date="20080122" 15. An image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a diameter a of the developer outlet hole, a diameter d of the hole of said cartridge-side shutter, a diameter b of the hole of said main body-side shutter, and a diameter c of the developer replenishment port satisfy a relation of a≦d≦b≦C. id="DEL-S-00015" id="DEL-S-00016" date="20080122" 16. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a spiral is formed on an inner surface of said cylindrical cartridge main body.id="DEL-S-00016" id="DEL-S-00017" date="20080122" 17. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said guide and said driving unit are integrated.id="DEL-S-00017" id="DEL-S-00018" date="20080122" 18. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a toner scattering prevention seal is attached near the developer outlet hole of said cylindrical cartridge main body.id="DEL-S-00018" id="DEL-S-00019" date="20080122" 19. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said main body-side shutter is made of an elastic material.id="DEL-S-00019" id="DEL-S-00020" date="20080122" 20. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a projection for preventing said cartridge-side shutter from slipping off is formed on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body.id="DEL-S-00020" id="DEL-S-00021" date="20080122" 21. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein an inner surface of said cartridge-side shutter and a surface of said cylindrical cartridge main body along which said cartridge-side shutter moves are threaded to mesh with each other, and said cartridge-side shutter is rotated to move on the surface of said cylindrical cartridge main body and stops at an unthreaded portion.id="DEL-S-00021" id="DEL-S-00022" date="20080122" 22. An image forming apparatus comprising a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing body with a developer, and a transfer unit for transferring the developed developer image onto a transfer medium, wherein s aid developing unit has a developer cartridge rotatably mounted to supply the developer to said developing unit while rotating, a guide for inserting said developer cartridge, and a driving unit for rotating said developer cartridge; said developer cartridge has a cylindrical cartridge main body having a developer inlet hole in an outer surface near one end, and a ring-like cartridge-side shutter which is fitted on the outer surface near said one end of said cylindrical cartridge main body to be movable along a rotating shaft of said cylindrical cartridge main body between a position where the developer outlet hole is opened and a position where the developer outlet hole is closed; said guides h as a main body-side shutter with a hole; when said developer cartridge is mounted, said cartridge-side shutter of said cylindrical cartridge main body moves from the position where the developer outlet hole is closed to the position where the developer outlet hole is opened, the developer outlet hole aligns itself with the hole of said main body-side shutter, and every time said cylindrical cartridge main body and said main body-side shutter integrally rotate to align the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter with a developer replenishment port formed below said main body-side shutter, the developer in said developer cartridge is supplied from the developer replenishment port to said developing unit via the developer outlet hole and the hole of said main body-side shutter, wherein said cylindrical cartridge main body is supported by a roller which is in contact with the outer surface and made of an elastic material.id="DEL-S-00022" id="INS-S-00004" date="20080122" 23. A toner bottle for use in an image forming apparatus to discharge toner from the toner bottle upon rotation of the toner bottle in the image forming apparatus, wherein the toner bottle is adapted for insertion into the image forming apparatus along a direction of a rotation axis of the toner bottle, the toner bottle comprising: an elongated cylindrical body portion having an outer surface, said body portion having a rotation axis extending longitudinally of the cylindrical body portion defining the rotation axis of the toner bottle; a first end portion at a first end of the cylindrical body portion, the first end portion including an end face; a toner outlet port positioned at the first end portion; a ring-shaped cartridge shutter positioned at the first end portion and configured to be axially movable, along the direction of the toner bottle rotation axis in response to the insertion of the toner bottle into the image forming apparatus, between a closed position that covers the toner outlet port and an open position that opens the toner outlet port; two projections that are positioned on the end face and extend axially outward from the end face, the two projections being configured to extend into corresponding engaging portions in a driving plate of a drive unit in the image forming apparatus; and at least two disconnection projections formed at the first end portion having a triangular-shaped cross-section and contacting the cartridge shutter to limit axial movement of the cartridge shutter in a direction toward the end face, thereby preventing the cartridge shutter from disconnecting from the toner bottle.id="INS-S-00004" id="INS-S-00005" date="20080122" 24. The toner bottle of claim 23, further comprising a toner scattering prevention shield at the first end portion circumferentially extending only partially around the first end portion and having a hole aligned with the toner outlet port.id="INS-S-00005" id="INS-S-00006" date="20080122" 25. The toner bottle of claim 24, wherein the toner bottle has a predetermined length to permit a mounting lever in the image forming apparatus to press against the toner bottle upon insertion of the toner bottle into the image forming apparatus, to prevent the toner bottle from moving out of the image forming apparatus.id="INS-S-00006" id="INS-S-00007" date="20080122" 26. A toner bottle for use in an image forming apparatus to discharge toner from the toner bottle upon rotation of the toner bottle in the image forming apparatus, wherein the toner bottle is adapted for insertion into the image forming apparatus along a direction of a rotation axis of the toner bottle, the toner bottle comprising: an elongated cylindrical body portion having an outer surface, said body portion having a rotation axis extending longitudinally of the cylindrical body portion defining the rotation axis of the toner bottle; a first end portion at a first end of the cylindrical body portion, the first end portion including an end face; a toner outlet port positioned at the first end portion; a ring-shaped cartridge shutter positioned at the first end portion and configured to be axially movable, along the direction of the toner bottle rotation axis in response to the insertion of the toner bottle into the image forming apparatus, between a closed position that covers the toner outlet port and an open position that opens the toner outlet port; two projections that are positioned on the end face and extend axially outward from the end face, the two projections being configured to extend into corresponding engaging portions in a driving plate of a drive unit in the image forming apparatus; and a spiral that extends continuously without breaks from adjacent the first end portion to adjacent a second end portion positioned at a second end of the cylindrical body portion opposite the first end portion along the direction of the rotation axis, wherein the first end portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical body portion.id="INS-S-00007" id="INS-S-00008" date="20080122" 27. The toner bottle of claim 26, wherein the continuous spiral groove comprises a plurality of groove portions that extend parallel to one another in a direction circumferentially along the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion.id="INS-S-00008" id="INS-S-00009" date="20080122" 28. A toner bottle for use in an image forming apparatus to discharge toner from the toner bottle upon rotation of the toner bottle in the image forming apparatus, wherein the toner bottle is adapted for insertion into the image forming apparatus along a direction of a rotation axis of the toner bottle, the toner bottle comprising: an elongated cylindrical body portion having an outer surface, said body portion having a rotation axis extending longitudinally of the cylindrical body portion defining the rotation axis of the toner bottle; a first end portion at a first end of the cylindrical body portion, the first end portion including an end face; a second end portion at a second end of the cylindrical body portion opposite the first end portion along the direction of the rotation axis; a toner outlet port positioned at the first end portion; a ring-shaped cartridge shutter positioned at the first end portion and configured to be axially movable, along the direction of the toner bottle rotation axis in response to the insertion of the toner bottle into the image forming apparatus, between a closed position that covers the toner outlet port and an open position that opens the toner outlet port; and an alignment projection formed as a rib at the second end portion that extends circumferentially for a predetermined radial angle relative to the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion for interrelating with a cooperating structure of the image forming apparatus to align the toner bottle with respect to the image forming apparatus upon insertion into the image forming apparatus, wherein the rib must exist at a predetermined rotational position that aligns the toner bottle upon insertion into the image forming apparatus, wherein the rib is formed at a predetermined circumferential position on the toner bottle relative to the toner outlet port, and wherein the predetermined radial angle is less than 90 degrees.id="INS-S-00009" id="INS-S-00010" date="20080122" 29. A toner bottle for use in an image forming apparatus to discharge toner from the toner bottle upon rotation of the toner bottle in the image forming apparatus, wherein the toner bottle is adapted for insertion into the image forming apparatus along a direction of a rotation axis of the toner bottle, the toner bottle comprising: an elongated cylindrical body portion having an outer surface, said body portion having a rotation axis extending longitudinally of the cylindrical body portion defining the rotation axis of the toner bottle; a first end portion at a first end of the cylindrical body portion, the first end portion including an end face; a second end portion at a second end of the cylindrical body portion opposite the first end portion along the direction of the rotation axis; a toner outlet port positioned at the first end portion; a ring-shaped cartridge shutter positioned at the first end portion and configured to be axially movable, along the direction of the toner bottle rotation axis in response to the insertion of the toner bottle into the image forming apparatus, between a closed position that covers the toner outlet port and an open position that opens the toner outlet port; and an alignment projection formed as a rib at the second end portion that extends circumferentially for a predetermined radial angle relative to the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion for interrelating with a cooperating structure of the image forming apparatus to align the toner bottle with respect to the image forming apparatus upon insertion into the image forming apparatus; and a spiral that extends continuously without breaks from adjacent the first end portion to adjacent the second end portion, wherein the rib must exist at a predetermined rotational position that aligns the toner bottle upon insertion into the image forming apparatus, wherein the first end portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical body portion, and wherein the continuous spiral comprises a plurality of portions that extend parallel to one another in a direction circumferentially along the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion.id="INS-S-00010" id="INS-S-00011" date="20080122" 30. A toner bottle for use in an image forming apparatus to discharge toner from the toner bottle upon rotation of the toner bottle in the image forming apparatus, wherein the toner bottle is adapted for insertion into the image forming apparatus along a direction of a rotation axis of the toner bottle, the toner bottle comprising: an elongated cylindrical body portion having an outer surface, said body portion having a rotation axis extending longitudinally of the cylindrical body portion defining the rotation axis of the toner bottle; a first end portion at a first end of the cylindrical body portion, the first end portion including an end face; a toner outlet port positioned at the first end portion; a ring-shaped cartridge shutter positioned at the first end portion and configured to be axially movable, along the direction of the toner bottle rotation axis in response to the insertion of the toner bottle into the image forming apparatus, between a closed position that covers the toner outlet port and an open position that opens the toner outlet port; and at least one disconnection prevention projection formed at the first end portion to limit axial movement of the cartridge shutter in a direction toward the end face, thereby preventing the cartridge shutter from disconnecting from the toner bottle, wherein the cartridge shutter has a substantially constant outer diameter and comprises axial ends that are free of radially outward extending projections.id="INS-S-00011" id="INS-S-00012" date="20080122" 31. The toner bottle of claim 30, comprising at least two disconnection prevention projections and at least two tabs, one tab contacting one of the disconnection prevention projections and other tab contacting the other disconnection prevention projection, to limit axial movement of the cartridge shutter in the direction toward the end face.id="INS-S-00012" id="INS-S-00013" date="20080122" 32. The toner bottle of claim 31, further comprising a toner scattering prevention shield at the first end portion circumferentially extending only partially around the first end portion and having a hole aligned with the toner outlet port.id="INS-S-00013" id="INS-S-00014" date="20080122" 33. The toner bottle of claim 30, further comprising two projections that are positioned on the end face and extend axially outward from the end face and are configured to engage with a toner bottle driving unit in the image forming apparatus.id="INS-S-00014" id="INS-S-00015" date="20080122" 34. The toner bottle of claim 33, further comprising: a second end portion at a second end of the cylindrical body portion opposite the first end portion along the direction of the rotation axis; and an alignment projection formed at the second end portion for interrelating with a cooperating structure of the image forming apparatus to align the toner bottle with respect to the image forming apparatus upon insertion into the image forming apparatus.id="INS-S-00015" id="INS-S-00016" date="20080122" 35. The toner bottle of claim 30, wherein the first end portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical body portion.id="INS-S-00016" id="INS-S-00017" date="20080122" 36. The toner bottle of claim 35, further comprising a spiral groove that extends continuously without breaks from adjacent the first end portion to adjacent a second end portion positioned at a second end of the cylindrical body portion opposite the first end portion along the direction of the rotation axis.id="INS-S-00017" id="INS-S-00018" date="20080122" 37. The toner bottle of claim 36, wherein the continuous spiral groove comprises a plurality of groove portions that extend parallel to one another in a direction circumferentially along the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion.id="INS-S-00018" id="INS-S-00019" date="20080122" 38. An image forming apparatus in combination with a toner bottle according to claim 30.id="INS-S-00019" id="INS-S-00020" date="20080122" 39. A toner bottle for use in an image forming apparatus to discharge toner from the toner bottle upon rotation of the toner bottle in the image forming apparatus, wherein the toner bottle is adapted for insertion into the image forming apparatus along a direction of a rotation axis of the toner bottle, the toner bottle comprising: an elongated cylindrical body portion having an outer surface, said body portion having a rotation axis extending longitudinally of the cylindrical body portion defining the rotation axis of the toner bottle; a first end portion at a first end of the cylindrical body portion, the first end portion including an end face; a second end portion at a second end of the cylindrical body portion opposite the first end portion along the direction of the rotation axis; a toner outlet port positioned at the first end portion; a projection provided adjacent the second end portion and aligned with the toner outlet port; a ring-shaped cartridge shutter positioned at the first end portion and configured to be axially movable, along the direction of the toner bottle rotation axis in response to the insertion of the toner bottle into the image forming apparatus, between a closed position that covers the toner outlet port and an open position that opens the toner outlet port; at least one disconnection prevention member formed at the first end portion to limit axial movement of the cartridge shutter in a direction toward the end face, thereby preventing the cartridge shutter from disconnecting from the toner bottle; and two projections that are positioned on the end face, extend axially outward from the end face, and fall on a diametrical axis of the end face in a predetermined relationship with respect to the toner outlet port.id="INS-S-00020" id="INS-S-00021" date="20080122" 40. The toner bottle of claim 39, comprising at least two disconnection projections having a triangular-shaped cross-section and contacting the cartridge shutter to limit axial movement of the cartridge shutter in a direction toward the end face.id="INS-S-00021" id="INS-S-00022" date="20080122" 41. The toner bottle of claim 39, wherein the projection adjacent the second end portion is an alignment projection formed as a rib that aligns the toner bottle upon insertion into the image forming apparatus and extends circumferentially for a predetermined radial angle relative to the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion.id="INS-S-00022" id="INS-S-00023" date="20080122" 42. The toner bottle of claim 41, wherein the cartridge shutter comprises axial ends that are free of radially outward extending projections.id="INS-S-00023" id="INS-S-00024" date="20080122" 43. The toner bottle of claim 39, wherein the first end portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical body portion.id="INS-S-00024" id="INS-S-00025" date="20080122" 44. The toner bottle of claim 43, further comprising a spiral groove extending continuously around the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion without breaks from adjacent the first end portion to adjacent the second end portion.id="INS-S-00025" id="INS-S-00026" date="20080122" 45. An image forming apparatus in combination with a toner bottle according to claim 39.id="INS-S-00026"
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