Toner cartridge

Abstract

To prevent information on toner in a housing from being lost SOLUTION: A toner cartridge includes a housing and a cap 60. The housing accommodates toner. The housing has a supply port through which toner can be supplied into the housing. The cap 60 closes the supply port. A two-dimension code TC indicating toner information on the toner filled in the housing is displayed on the cap 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to recyclable toner cartridges. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for recycling toner cartridges used in image forming devices, etc. (See Patent Document 1.) In this technology, information such as the number of printed pages and the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum is recorded in a storage device such as an IC chip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-210304 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, data stored in memories such as IC chips can be damaged by shock, static electricity, etc. Therefore, if the data stored in the IC chip, such as the number of pages printed and the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, cannot be read, the history of the toner cartridge cannot be determined, which creates the problem of not being able to guarantee the quality of recycled products.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to prevent information about the toner inside the housing from being lost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A toner cartridge according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, which is intended to solve the above-described problems, includes a housing and a cap. The housing contains toner and has a refill port formed therein through which toner can be refilled into the housing. The cap closes the supply port and has a two-dimensional code printed on it that indicates toner information about the toner filled in the housing.

[0007] According to the first disclosure, since the two-dimensional code indicating the toner information is displayed on the cap, it is possible to prevent the information about the toner in the housing from being lost.

[0008] In a second disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, the cap may be removable from the housing.

[0009] According to the second disclosure, since the cap is removable from the housing, if the cap is replaced when refilling toner, toner information of the refilled toner can be displayed on the cap.

[0010] In a third disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, the cap may have a protrusion, and the two-dimensional code may be disposed so as to surround the protrusion.

[0011] According to the third disclosure, the two-dimensional code is arranged so as to surround the protrusion, so there is no need to remove the protrusion.

[0012] In a fourth disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, the cap may have a circular plate-like portion, a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape extending from the periphery of the plate-like portion and fitting inside the replenishing port, and a flange extending from the edge of the cylindrical portion to the outside of the cylindrical portion. The two-dimensional code may be disposed on the plate-like portion.

[0013] According to the fourth disclosure, the two-dimensional code is disposed in a recess formed by the plate-like portion and the cylindrical portion, which prevents the two-dimensional code from coming into contact with anything, thereby preventing the two-dimensional code from being erased.

[0014] In a fifth disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, the two-dimensional code may be engraved or printed on the cap.

[0015] According to the fifth disclosure, the two-dimensional code is engraved or printed on the cap, so the two-dimensional code is unlikely to fade.

[0016] In a sixth disclosure of the present application, the toner cartridge of the first disclosure may further include a sticker attached across the housing and the cap, covering at least a portion of the two-dimensional code.

[0017] According to the sixth disclosure, by further providing a sticker that covers at least a part of the two-dimensional code, it is possible to prevent the two-dimensional code from being erased.

[0018] In a seventh disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, the toner information may be at least one of the toner charge amount, the toner production number, the toner color information, and the toner filling amount.

[0019] In an eighth disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, the toner cartridge may further include a developing roller and a supply roller that supplies toner to the developing roller, and the two-dimensional code may further indicate at least one of the serial numbers and manufacturing locations of the developing roller and the supply roller.

[0020] In a ninth disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, the toner cartridge may further include a memory, and the memory may store toner information indicated by the two-dimensional code.

[0021] According to the ninth disclosure, since the toner information indicated by the two-dimensional code is stored in the memory, when the toner cartridge is attached to an image forming device, etc., the image forming device, etc. can read the toner information.

[0022] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure, which aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, provides a method for manufacturing a toner cartridge, which includes a toner filling step and a capping step. The toner cartridge includes a housing and a cap. The housing contains toner. The housing has a refill port formed therein through which toner can be refilled into the housing. The cap closes the refill port. The cap displays a two-dimensional code indicating toner information related to the toner filled in the housing. The toner filling step is a step of filling the housing with toner. The capping step is a step of attaching a cap, on which a two-dimensional code is displayed, to a supply port after the toner filling step.

[0023] According to the 10th disclosure, the manufacturing method of the toner cartridge includes a cap attachment process in which a cap bearing a two-dimensional code indicating toner information about the toner filled in the housing is attached to the supply port, thereby preventing the toner information about the toner filled in the housing from being lost.

[0024] In an eleventh disclosure of the present application, the method for manufacturing a toner cartridge according to the tenth disclosure may further include a code forming step of forming a two-dimensional code on the cap.

[0025] In a twelfth disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge manufacturing method of the eleventh disclosure, the charge amount of the toner may be measured in the toner filling step, and a two-dimensional code containing information on the measured charge amount may be formed in the code forming step.

[0026] According to the twelfth disclosure, the charge amount of the toner is measured and a two-dimensional code containing information on the measured charge amount is formed, so that the correctly measured charge amount of the toner is formed as the two-dimensional code TC.

[0027] In a thirteenth disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the eleventh disclosure, a two-dimensional code may be engraved on the cap by a laser in the code forming step.

[0028] According to the thirteenth disclosure, the two-dimensional code is engraved on the cap by a laser, which prevents the two-dimensional code from being erased.

[0029] In a fourteenth disclosure of the present application, in the method for manufacturing a toner cartridge according to the tenth disclosure, the toner cartridge may further include a memory, and may further include a recording step of recording the toner information included in the two-dimensional code in the memory.

[0030] According to the 14th disclosure, the toner information contained in the two-dimensional code is recorded in memory, so that when the toner cartridge is attached to an image forming device, etc., the image forming device, etc. can read the toner information.

[0031] The toner cartridge recycling method disclosed in the tenth aspect of the present application, which is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, includes a reading step, a toner refilling step, a code forming step, and a capping step. The toner cartridge includes a housing and a cap. The housing contains toner. The housing has a supply port formed therein through which toner can be replenished into the housing. The cap closes the supply port. A two-dimensional code indicating toner information related to the toner filled in the housing is displayed on the cap. The reading step is a step of reading the toner information from the cap. The toner refilling process involves removing the cap from the toner cartridge to be recycled and filling the housing with toner. The code forming step is a step of forming, on a new cap, a two-dimensional code including both the toner information before recycling read in the reading step and the toner information of new toner. The capping step is a step of attaching a new cap to the supply port after the code forming step.

[0032] According to the 15th disclosure, a cap attachment process is provided in which a cap bearing a two-dimensional code indicating toner information about the toner filled in the housing is attached to the supply port, thereby preventing the toner information about the toner filled in the housing from being lost.

[0033] In a sixteenth disclosure of the present application, in the toner cartridge of the fifteenth disclosure, the charge amount of the toner may be measured in the toner refilling process, and a two-dimensional code containing information on the measured charge amount may be formed in the code forming process.

[0034] According to the sixteenth disclosure, the charge amount of the toner is measured and a two-dimensional code containing information on the measured charge amount is formed, so that the charge amount of the toner is formed correctly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent information about the toner inside the housing from being lost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the toner cartridge with the cap and memory holder removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A is a front view of the cap, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view thereof. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of the toner cartridge. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a recycling process for a toner cartridge. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge in a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Next, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the direction in which the rotation axis of the developing roller 20 extends will be referred to as the "axial direction." Also, arrows in the drawings will point to one side in the axial direction.

[0038] 1, a toner cartridge 1 is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, etc. The toner cartridge 1 is detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, a supply roller 30, a layer thickness regulating blade 40, an agitator 50, and a cap 60.

[0040] The housing 10 accommodates toner therein. The housing 10 supports the developing roller 20, the supply roller 30, the layer thickness regulating blade 40, and the agitator 50. The housing 10 is made of, for example, plastic. The housing 10 has a supply port 11.

[0041] The developing roller 20 is a roller having a surface that carries toner, and is rotatable about a rotation axis 20X that extends in the first direction.

[0042] The supply roller 30 is a roller that supplies toner to the developing roller 20. The supply roller 30 is rotatable about a supply roller shaft 30X that extends in the axial direction.

[0043] The layer thickness regulating blade 40 is a member that regulates the toner supplied to the developing roller 20 to a thin layer of a uniform thickness. The layer thickness regulating blade 40 comes into contact with the developing roller 20.

[0044] The agitator 50 agitates the toner inside the housing 10. The agitator 50 is rotatable about an agitator shaft 50X that extends in the axial direction.

[0045] The cap 60 is a member that closes the supply port 11 .

[0046] 2, the supply port 11 is formed on one side in the axial direction of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the supply port 11 is a circular hole. The supply port 11 allows toner to be supplied into the housing 10.

[0047] The cap 60 is removable from the housing 10. When the cap 60 is removed, it becomes possible to replenish toner through the supply port 11. When the cap 60 is fitted, the toner does not leak out of the housing 10 through the supply port 11.

[0048] The cap 60 is made of a flexible material such as polyethylene resin, and can be attached and detached multiple times without damaging the housing 10.

[0049] The toner cartridge 1 further includes a memory ME, a memory holder 70, a first guide 80, a second guide 90, and a seal ST. The memory ME, the memory holder 70, the first guide 80, the second guide 90, and the seal ST are arranged on one side of the housing 10 in the axial direction.

[0050] The memory ME is a medium for storing information. The memory ME is, for example, an IC chip. The memory ME stores toner information and cartridge information. The toner information and cartridge information include information indicated by the two-dimensional code TC formed on the cap 60. That is, the memory ME stores the toner information indicated by the two-dimensional code TC. Furthermore, the memory ME may store other information in addition to the information indicated by the two-dimensional code TC.

[0051] The memory holder 70 is a holder that holds the memory ME. The memory holder 70 holds the memory ME so that the electrical contact surface of the memory ME is movable relative to the housing 10. The memory holder 70 has a holding portion 71 that holds the memory ME, a first boss B1, a second boss B2, and a third boss B3. The holding portion 71 is a portion that holds the memory ME. The first boss B1 and the second boss B2 are protrusions that extend toward the housing 10. The third boss B3 is a protrusion that extends in a direction away from the housing 10.

[0052] The first guide 80 is fixed to the housing 10 together with the second guide 90 by a screw N1. The first guide 80, together with the second guide 90, movably holds the memory holder 70. The first guide 80 has a first elongated hole H1 and a second elongated hole H2. The first elongated hole H1 and the second elongated hole H2 are elongated holes that are long in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A first boss B1 is inserted into the first elongated hole H1. With the first boss B1 inserted, the first elongated hole H1 allows the first boss B1 to move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A second boss B2 is inserted into the second elongated hole H2. With the second boss B2 inserted, the second elongated hole H2 allows the second boss B2 to move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0053] The second guide 90 is fixed to the housing 10 together with the first guide 80 by a screw N1. The second guide 90 is also fixed to the first guide 80 by a screw N2. The second guide 90, together with the first guide 80, movably holds the memory holder 70. The first guide 80 has a third elongated hole H3. The third elongated hole H3 is an elongated hole that is long in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A third boss B3 is inserted into the third elongated hole H3. With the third boss B3 inserted, the third elongated hole H3 allows the third boss B3 to move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0054] With the first boss B1 inserted into the first long hole H1, the first boss B1 inserted into the first long hole H1, and the first boss B1 inserted into the first long hole H1, the first guide 80 and the second guide 90 allow the memory holder 70 to move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0055] 3, the seal ST is affixed across the housing 10 and the cap 60. The seal ST is for confirming that the cap 60 has not been removed. Since the seal ST must be peeled off when removing the cap 60, if the seal ST has not been peeled off, it can be confirmed that the cap 60 has not been removed.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the cap 60 has a plate-shaped portion 61, a cylindrical portion 62, and a flange 63.

[0057] The plate-shaped portion 61 is a circular plate. The plate-shaped portion 61 has a first surface 61A and a second surface 61B. The first surface 61A is a surface facing one side in the axial direction. The second surface 61B is a surface facing the other side in the axial direction. A two-dimensional code TC is arranged on the plate-shaped portion 61. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code TC is engraved on the first surface 61A of the plate-shaped portion 61. The two-dimensional code TC is engraved, for example, by laser processing.

[0058] The plate-shaped portion 61 has a protrusion 61P in the center. The protrusion 61P protrudes from the first surface 61A of the plate-shaped portion 61 toward one side in the axial direction. The protrusion 61P is a gate mark left when the cap 60 is manufactured by injection molding. The two-dimensional code TC is arranged so as to surround the protrusion 61P. In other words, the two-dimensional code TC is arranged around the protrusion 61P.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, when the cap 60 is attached to the supply port 11 and the sticker ST is attached, the sticker ST covers at least a portion of the two-dimensional code TC.

[0060] The two-dimensional code TC indicates toner information and cartridge information. The toner information is information about the toner filled in the housing 10. Specifically, the toner information is at least one of the toner charge amount, the toner production number, the toner color information, and the toner filling amount.

[0061] The toner charge amount is the charge amount at the time of toner filling. The toner charge amount may differ for each toner lot, even for toner with the same components. When forming an image, it is desirable to control the bias according to the toner charge amount. The toner color information is information about the toner color, such as yellow, magenta, cyan, or black. The toner filling amount is the amount of toner filled in the housing 10, such as a standard amount, a small amount, or a large amount.

[0062] The cartridge information is information about the parts used in the toner cartridge 1. Specifically, the cartridge information is at least one of the serial numbers and manufacturing locations of the developing roller and the supply roller.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the cylindrical portion 62 extends from the periphery of the plate-like portion 61. The cylindrical portion 62 has a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 62 has the same dimensions as the inner edge of the supply port 11. The cylindrical portion 62 fits inside the supply port 11.

[0064] The two-dimensional code TC is disposed in a recess formed by the plate-like portion 61 and the cylindrical portion 62. In other words, the two-dimensional code TC is disposed at a position recessed by the height of the cylindrical portion 62.

[0065] The flange 63 extends from the edge of the cylindrical portion 62 to the outside of the cylindrical portion 62. When the cap 60 is fitted into the replenishing port 11, the flange 63 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 10. The flange 63 is the part that comes into contact with an operator or a work machine when attaching or detaching the cap 60.

[0066] Next, a method for manufacturing the toner cartridge 1 will be described. 5, the method for manufacturing the toner cartridge 1 includes a toner filling step S11, a code forming step S12, a capping step S13, and a recording step S14. Note that the steps described below may be performed by a worker, or may be performed by an automated machine or a robot.

[0067] The toner filling step S11 is a step of filling the housing 10 with toner. Specifically, a predetermined amount of toner is filled through the supply port 11 of the housing 10.

[0068] In the toner filling step S11, the charge amount of the toner is measured. In this embodiment, the charge amount of the toner is measured while filling the housing 10 with toner. As an example, the toner cartridge 1 without the cap 60 attached is set in a toner filling machine (not shown). Then, the toner filling machine fills the toner through the refill port 11. The toner filling machine has a sensor that measures the charge amount of the toner. The toner filling machine measures the charge amount of the toner while filling the toner.

[0069] The code forming step S12 is a step of forming a two-dimensional code TC on the cap 60. In the code forming step S12, the two-dimensional code TC is engraved on the cap 60 by a laser. This two-dimensional code TC includes information on the charge amount of the toner measured in the toner filling step S11.

[0070] The cap attachment step S13 is a step of attaching the cap 60, on which the two-dimensional code TC is displayed, to the supply port 11 after the toner filling step S11 and the code forming step S12. Specifically, after the housing 10 is filled with toner, the cap 60, on which the two-dimensional code TC is engraved, is attached to the supply port 11.

[0071] The recording step S14 is a step of recording the toner information contained in the two-dimensional code TC in the memory ME. Specifically, the two-dimensional code TC on the cap 60 attached to the supply port 11 is scanned to read the toner information indicated by the two-dimensional code TC. The read toner information is recorded in the memory ME.

[0072] Next, we will explain how to recycle the toner cartridge 1. Recycling the toner cartridge 1 means collecting used toner cartridges 1 and refilling the collected toner cartridges 1 with toner so that they can be used again. As shown in FIG. 6, the recycling method for the toner cartridge 1 includes a reading step S21, a toner refilling step S22, a code forming step S23, a capping step S24, and a recording step S25.

[0073] The reading step S21 is a step of reading toner information from the cap 60 of the collected toner cartridge 1. In this step, the two-dimensional code TC is scanned and read from the cap 60 of the collected toner cartridge 1. Toner information and cartridge information can be confirmed from the two-dimensional code TC.

[0074] The toner refilling step S22 is a step of removing the cap 60 from the toner cartridge 1 to be recycled and filling the housing 10 with toner. Specifically, the cap 60 is removed from the supply port 11, the toner remaining in the housing 10 is removed, and new toner is filled through the supply port 11 of the housing 10. In the toner refilling step S22, the charge amount of the toner is measured. In this embodiment, the measurement of the charge amount is the same as in the toner filling step S11, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] The code forming step S23 is a step of forming a two-dimensional code TC, which includes both the toner information before recycling read in the reading step S21 and the toner information of new toner, on the new cap 60. In the code forming step S23, the two-dimensional code TC is engraved on the cap 60 by a laser. This two-dimensional code TC includes information on the charge amount of the toner measured in the toner filling step S11.

[0076] The cap attachment process S24 is a process of attaching a new cap 60 to the supply port 11 after the code formation process S23. Specifically, after the housing 10 is filled with toner, the cap 60 engraved with the two-dimensional code TC is attached to the supply port 11.

[0077] The recording step S25 is a step of recording the toner information contained in the two-dimensional code TC in the memory ME. Specifically, the two-dimensional code TC on the cap 60 attached to the supply port 11 is scanned to read the toner information indicated by the two-dimensional code TC. The read toner information is recorded in the memory ME.

[0078] As described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0079] Incidentally, data stored in memories such as IC chips can be damaged by impact, static electricity, etc. However, according to the toner cartridge 1 of this embodiment, a two-dimensional code indicating toner information is displayed on the cap 60, so even if the data stored in the memory ME is damaged, the information about the toner stored in the housing 10 can be prevented from being lost.

[0080] Furthermore, since the cap 60 is detachable from the housing 10, if the cap 60 is replaced when the toner is refilled in the recycling process, the toner information of the refilled toner can be displayed on the cap 60.

[0081] Furthermore, since the two-dimensional code TC is arranged so as to surround the protrusion 61P, there is no need to remove the protrusion 61P when forming the two-dimensional code TC.

[0082] Furthermore, since the two-dimensional code TC is disposed in the recess formed by the plate-like portion 61 and the cylindrical portion 62, it is possible to prevent the two-dimensional code TC from coming into contact with anything, thereby preventing the two-dimensional code TC from disappearing.

[0083] Furthermore, since the two-dimensional code TC is engraved on the cap 60, the two-dimensional code TC is unlikely to fade.

[0084] Furthermore, by further providing a sticker ST that covers at least a portion of the two-dimensional code TC, it is possible to prevent the two-dimensional code TC from being erased. Furthermore, if the sticker ST is peeled off, it is possible to confirm that the cap 60 may have been removed. Therefore, by recycling only toner cartridges 1 with stickers ST intact, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the quality of recycled products.

[0085] In addition, since the toner information indicated by the two-dimensional code TC is stored in the memory ME, when the toner cartridge 1 is attached to an image forming device, etc., the image forming device, etc. can read the toner information.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the toner cartridge 1 in this embodiment, a cap attachment process S13 is provided in which a cap 60, which displays a two-dimensional code TC indicating toner information regarding the toner filled in the housing 10, is attached to the supply port 11, thereby preventing the toner information of the toner filled in the housing 10 from being lost.

[0087] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the toner cartridge 1, the charge amount of the toner is measured and a two-dimensional code TC containing information on the measured charge amount is formed, so that the correctly measured charge amount of the toner is formed as the two-dimensional code TC.

[0088] Furthermore, since the two-dimensional code TC is engraved on the cap 60 by a laser, the two-dimensional code TC can be prevented from disappearing.

[0089] Furthermore, since the toner information contained in the two-dimensional code TC is recorded in memory ME, when the toner cartridge 1 is attached to an image forming device, the image forming device can read the toner information. For example, by obtaining the information on the charge amount of the toner contained in the toner information, the image forming device can perform control according to the charge amount of the toner.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the recycling method for the toner cartridge 1 in this embodiment, the capping step S24 of attaching the cap 60, which displays the two-dimensional code TC indicating toner information related to the toner filled in the housing 10, to the supply port 11 can be included, thereby preventing the toner information of the toner filled in the housing 10 from being lost. Therefore, by properly managing the toner information, it is possible to prevent the quality of recycled products from deteriorating.

[0091] Furthermore, since the charge amount of the toner is measured and a two-dimensional code TC containing information on the measured charge amount is formed, the charge amount of the toner is correctly formed even in recycled products.

[0092] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0093] 7 includes a housing 110, a cap 160, and a seal ST2. The cap 160 is attached to the supply port 111 of the housing 110. The seal ST2 is attached across the housing 110 and the cap 160. In the second embodiment, the seal ST2 covers almost the entire two-dimensional code TC.

[0094] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts will be assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The toner cartridge 201 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a housing 210, a cap 260, a cover member CB1, and a seal ST3. The cap 260 is attached to the supply port 211 of the housing 110. The cover member CB1 covers the entire axial side of the housing 210. The cover member CB1 covers the cap 260. Therefore, the cap 260 cannot be removed unless the cover member CB1 is removed. The seal ST3 is affixed across the housing 210 and the cover member CB1. The seal ST3 makes it possible to confirm that the cover member CB1 has not been removed. If it can be confirmed that the cover member CB1 has not been removed, it can be confirmed that the cap 260 has not been removed.

[0096] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts will be assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] The toner cartridge 301 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9 includes a housing 310, a cap 360, a cover member CB2, and a seal ST4. The cap 360 is attached to the supply port 311 of the housing 310. The cover member CB2 covers the entire axial side of the housing 310. The cover member CB2 covers the cap 360. Therefore, the cap 360 cannot be removed unless the cover member CB2 is removed. The seal ST4 is affixed across the housing 310 and the cover member CB2. The seal ST4 makes it possible to confirm that the cover member CB2 has not been removed. If it can be confirmed that the cover member CB2 has not been removed, it can be confirmed that the cap 360 has not been removed.

[0098] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the following description, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts will be assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] The toner cartridge 401 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes a housing 410, a cap 460, a cover member CB3, and a seal ST5. The cap 460 is attached to the supply port 411 of the housing 410. The cover member CB3 covers the entire axial side of the housing 410. The cover member CB3 covers the cap 460. Therefore, the cap 460 cannot be removed unless the cover member CB3 is removed. The seal ST5 is affixed across the housing 410 and the cover member CB3. The seal ST5 makes it possible to confirm that the cover member CB3 has not been removed. If it can be confirmed that the cover member CB3 has not been removed, it can be confirmed that the cap 460 has not been removed.

[0100] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying them as exemplified below.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the two-dimensional code is engraved on the cap by a laser, but it may be engraved by a method other than a laser. For example, a two-dimensional barcode may be printed on the cap. There is no particular limitation on the method of printing on the cap.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the memory ME is an IC chip, but it may be a storage medium other than an IC chip.

[0103] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 toner cartridge 10. Cabinet 11 Supply port 20 Developing roller 60 Cap TC 2D code

Claims

1. a housing for accommodating toner, the housing having a refill port formed therein and allowing toner to be refilled into the housing; A toner cartridge comprising: a cap for closing the supply port, the cap having a two-dimensional code displayed thereon that indicates toner information relating to the toner filled in the housing.

2. 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cap is removable from the housing.

3. the cap has a protrusion, 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is disposed so as to surround the protrusion.

4. The cap is A circular plate-shaped portion; a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape extending from a peripheral edge of the plate-like portion, the cylindrical portion fitting into the inside of the supply port; a flange extending from an edge of the cylindrical portion to the outside of the cylindrical portion, 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is disposed on the plate-shaped portion.

5. 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is engraved or printed on the cap.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a sticker attached across the housing and the cap, the sticker covering at least a part of the two-dimensional code.

7. 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner information is at least one of the toner charge amount, the toner production number, the toner color information, and the toner filling amount.

8. the toner cartridge further includes a developing roller and a supply roller that supplies toner to the developing roller; 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code further indicates at least one of a serial number and a manufacturing location of the developing roller and the supply roller.

9. The toner cartridge further includes a memory, 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner information indicated by the two-dimensional code is stored in the memory.

10. A method for manufacturing a toner cartridge comprising: a housing for storing toner, the housing having a supply port formed in the housing and allowing toner to be supplied into the housing; and a cap for closing the supply port, the cap having a two-dimensional code displayed thereon that indicates toner information related to the toner filled in the housing, a toner filling step of filling the housing with toner; a capping step of attaching the cap, on which the two-dimensional code is displayed, to the supply port after the toner filling step.

11. 11. The method for manufacturing a toner cartridge according to claim 10, further comprising a code forming step of forming the two-dimensional code on the cap.

12. In the toner filling step, the charge amount of the toner is measured, 12. The method for manufacturing a toner cartridge according to claim 11, wherein a two-dimensional code including information on the measured charge amount is formed in the code forming step.

13. 12. The method for manufacturing a toner cartridge according to claim 11, wherein in the code forming step, the two-dimensional code is engraved on the cap by a laser.

14. The toner cartridge further includes a memory, 11. The method for manufacturing a toner cartridge according to claim 10, further comprising a recording step of recording the toner information included in the two-dimensional code in the memory.

15. A method for recycling a toner cartridge comprising: a housing for storing toner, the housing having a supply port formed in the housing and allowing toner to be supplied into the housing; and a cap for closing the supply port, the cap having a two-dimensional code displayed thereon that indicates toner information relating to the toner filled in the housing, a reading step of reading the toner information from the cap; a toner refilling step of removing the cap from the toner cartridge to be recycled and filling the housing with toner; a code forming step of forming a two-dimensional code on a new cap, the two-dimensional code including both the toner information before recycling read in the reading step and the toner information of new toner; a capping step of attaching the new cap to the supply port after the code forming step.

16. In the toner refilling step, the charge amount of the toner is measured, 16. The method for recycling a toner cartridge according to claim 15, wherein a two-dimensional code containing information about the measured charge amount is formed in the code forming step.

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