Toner cartridge having a handle

Abstract

 In a toner cartridge (1) for a printing device, in particular a laser printing device, the toner cartridge (1) comprising a basic body (11) and a handle (12) for inserting and/or removing the toner cartridge (1), to allow high freedom of design for the housing, favourable production costs and user-friendly, reliable and easy replacement of the toner cartridge it is proposed that the handle (12) can be moved between an open position (13) and a closed position (14) with respect to a basic body (11) and in that the handle (12) has an actuating device (15) for a locking mechanism (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a toner cartridge according to the pre-characterising clause of claim 1.

[0002] Toner cartridges for printing devices, in particular laser printing devices, and for example home printers, office printers, network printers, copiers and/or fax machines, are known in the state of the art. When printing a page of a sheet print particles of the toner are brought into contact with this page and melted whereby the print particles are joined with the material of the page.

[0003] The toner cartridge is to be regarded as a consumable in this case, wherein this means that the toner cartridge should be replaced by an operator, for example a user and/or maintenance personnel, after a substantially predetermined number of pages printed with this toner cartridge.

[0004] The toner cartridge should be locked in the printing device when inserted therein and when removed therefrom should be unlocked from the printing device. Locking, and conversely unlocking, takes place by means of a locking mechanism. With known printing devices the locking mechanism is connected to a hinged lid of a housing, so the locking mechanism is actuated when the housing hinged lid is moved, in particular is unlocked when the hinged lid is opened and is locked when it is closed.

[0005] The drawback of this is that the locking mechanism is to be constructed to cooperate with the housing, in particular the hinged lid thereof, whereby the construction of the housing is complicated and/or user friendliness of the printing device is limited and the productions costs are high.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to disclose a toner cartridge of the type mentioned in the introduction with which said drawbacks can be avoided and with which the toner cartridge can be replaced in a user-friendly, reliable and easy manner while still having high freedom of design and favourable production costs.

[0007] This is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0008] This results in the advantage that the components are functionally separated, easy replacement of the toner cartridge is made possible, with ease of use being ensured by simple, in particular one-handed and intuitive handling of the toner cartridge during replacement.

[0009] It is also clear to the user from the state of the toner cartridge whether the toner cartridge is locked to the printing device or unlocked, whereby the risk of incorrect handling of the toner cartridge is reduced.

[0010] The toner cartridge can thus be replaced quickly and easily, it being possible to remove an empty toner cartridge from the printing device in particular with one movement and to insert a full toner cartridge into the printing device with a second movement.

[0011] The object of the invention is furthermore a printing device, in particular a laser printing device, comprising a receiver for the toner cartridge mentioned in the introduction, with which method user-friendly, reliable and easy replacement of the toner cartridge is made possible while still having high freedom of design and favourable production costs.

[0012] This is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 3.

[0013] This allows the construction of a housing without openings and/or recesses for the lever and/or the buttons for actuation by the user, nor is it necessary for the locking mechanism to cooperate with the housing hinged lid, so high freedom of design is ensured, the printing device production costs can be reduced and installation space in the printing device can be released.

[0014] A further object of the invention is to disclose a method for removing the toner cartridge of the type mentioned in the introduction, with which method user-friendly, reliable and easy replacement of the toner cartridge is ensured.

[0015] This is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 7.

[0016] Easy replacement of the toner cartridge is thus possible, ease of use being ensured by the simple, in particular one-handed and intuitive, handling of the toner cartridge during replacement.

[0017] This allows quick and easy removal of the toner cartridge, it being possible to remove an empty cartridge from the printing device in particular with one movement.

[0018] A further object of the invention is to disclose a method for inserting the toner cartridge of the type mentioned in the introduction, with which method user-friendly, reliable and easy replacement of the toner cartridge is ensured.

[0019] This is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 8.

[0020] Easy replacement of the toner cartridge is thus made possible, ease of use being ensured by simple, in particular one-handed and intuitive handling of the toner cartridge during replacement.

[0021] This ensures quick and easy insertion of the toner cartridge, it being possible to insert a full toner cartridge into the printing device in particular with one movement.

[0022] The sub-claims, which, like claims 1, 3, 7 and 8 also form part of the description, relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0023] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only preferred embodiments are shown by way of example and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows in an oblique view a toner cartridge of a preferred embodiment, an actuating device for a locking mechanism and a locking mechanism,

Fig. 2 schematically shows in a side elevation the toner cartridge of Fig. 1, a locking mechanism and a locking element in a locked position,

Fig. 3 schematically shows in a side elevation the toner cartridge of Fig. 1, the locking mechanism and the locking element in a first removal position, and

Fig. 4 schematically shows in a side elevation the toner cartridge of Fig. 1, the locking mechanism and the locking element in a second removal position.

[0024] Fig. 1 to 4 show a toner cartridge 1 for a printing device, in particular a laser printing device, the toner cartridge 1 comprising a basic body 11 and a handle 12 for inserting and/or removing the toner cartridge 1, it being possible to move the handle 12 between an open position 13 and a closed position 14 with respect to the basic body 11, and the handle 12 comprising an actuating device 15 for a locking mechanism 21.

[0025] The toner cartridge 1 is formed with a predefined geometry, in particular with a predefined length, height and width. The length of the toner cartridge 1 is the extent thereof in an operating position in the direction parallel to the direction of movement of a recording medium, in particular a sheet, moved past the toner cartridge 1 the operating position being the locked position of the toner cartridge 1 in the printing device and the position of the toner cartridge 1 for operation of the printing device. The width of the toner cartridge 1 is the extent of the toner cartridge 1 - in the operating position - along a drum (not shown) of the printing device. The height of the toner cartridge 1 is the extent of the toner cartridge 1 normally to the length and width of the toner cartridge 1.

[0026] The printing device, in particular the laser printing device, can preferably be constructed as a home and/or office printer of electronic data processing, as a fax machine or as a copier.

[0027] The toner cartridge 1 comprises a basic body 11. The basic body 11 comprises print particles in liquid, and/or, preferably, solid form, in particular chemically prepared - CP - toners and can have a driving extension 23 for cooperation with a preferred gearing extension 22 arranged on the printing device, in the operating position of the toner cartridge 1 the gearing extension 22 transmitting substantially a rotational movement to the driving extension 23 and it thus being possible to drive moving components in the toner cartridge 1.

[0028] In this preferred embodiment the handle 12 of the toner cartridge 1 is constructed substantially over the entire width of the toner cartridge 1. Simple assembly of the handle 12 on the toner cartridge 1 as well as intuitive operation of the handle 12 is thus possible.

[0029] In the operating position of the toner cartridge 1 and printing device the handle 12 and/or the toner cartridge 1 can, at least in certain sections, be seen from outside the printing device and/or form a region of an outer contour of the printing device. Some of a housing of the printing device can thus be recessed, whereby replacement of the toner cartridge 1 can be accelerated further and further possibilities for shaping the printing device are given, it being possible for the handle 12 to be coloured, for example in a contrasting colour to the housing of the printing device. The advantageous embodiment of the handle 12 means that the volume available in the basic body 11 to the print particles can be particularly large, whereby the running costs during operation of the printing device can be reduced.

[0030] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the handle 12 in the closed position 14, the closed position 14 - according to the objective disclosure - being characterised in that the handle 12 is pushed and/or brought in the direction of the toner cartridge 1 and in particular up to a predefined stop.

[0031] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the handle 12 in the open position 13, the open position 13 - according to the objective disclosure - being characterised in that the handle 12 is pushed and/or brought so as to point in the direction of the toner cartridge 1 and in particular up to a predefined stop.

[0032] Alternatively the handle 12 can be constructed over only some of the width and/or height of the toner cartridge 1, in particular parallel to the height, of the toner cartridge 1. This produces further possibilities for the design of the toner cartridge 1 and/or printing device, it still being possible for the user to remove and insert the toner cartridge 1 quickly, easily and intuitively.

[0033] An actuating device 15 for a locking mechanism 21 is arranged and/or formed on the handle 12. As a function of the position of the actuating device 15 for the locking mechanism 21, the locking mechanism 21 can control a locking element 2 which for locking the toner cartridge 1, in particular the basic body 11, can be constructed in the operating position and can lock the toner cartridge 1 in the operating position.

[0034] The actuating device 15 for actuating the locking mechanism 21 can advantageously be in contact therewith, in particular non-positively, the toner cartridge 1 being arranged in the printing device so as to be unlocked by means of the locking mechanism 21, in particular with non-positive contact between the actuating device 15 and the locking mechanism 21.

[0035] Alternatively cooperation between actuating element 15 and locking element 2 can be on the basis of magnetic, electromagnetic and/or electrical forces, and in particular contactlessly, instead of the mechanical cooperation, i.e. in particular contact, between the actuating element 15 and the locking element 2. For this purpose the actuating element 15 can be constructed for example as a coil on the handle 12, the coil being arranged in the operating position of the toner cartridge 1 in such a way that an electrical circuit, which in this case is formed in the locking mechanism 21, is connected in the device and the locking element 2 locks or unlocks the toner cartridge 1 in the operating position as a result of the connected circuit. Magnetic cooperation, in particular by means of permanent magnets formed on the handle 12 and the locking element 2 or electrical cooperation between the actuating element 15 and the locking element 2, in particular by closing an electrical circuit in the locking mechanism 21 by means of an electrical conductor which is formed on the actuating element 15, can also be provided. These alternative possible configurations can allow the particularly small design of the actuating element 15 and locking element 2 and/or reliable, contact-free locking and unlocking of the toner cartridge 1 in the printing device, saving installation space and/or making it possible to keep the force expenditure required for replacing the toner cartridge 1 low.

[0036] In this preferred embodiment the locking element 2 is substantially parallel to the length of the toner cartridge 1 in the operating position, i.e. in the operating position of the toner cartridge 1 parallel to the direction of movement of the recording medium, in particular a sheet, which is moved past the toner cartridge 1. Reliable locking and unlocking of the toner cartridge 1 can thus be ensured as a function of the position of the handle 12 with respect to the locking element 2.

[0037] The locking element 2 can also be formed at a different angle to the length of the toner cartridge 1 in the operating position, in particular parallel to the height. The locking element 2 can in the process advantageously be positionally fixed in the printing device substantially in the direction of movement on removal and/or insertion of the handle 12, the basic body 11 and the toner cartridge 1, it thus being advantageously possible to reliably ensure for different predefined angles of the locking element 2, with respect to the length of the toner cartridge 1 in the operating position, cooperation between locking element 2 and actuating device 15.

[0038] Alternatively the locking mechanism 21 can also be rotatably mounted by means of a bearing, so the locking element 2, instead of also being displaced parallel to the locking mechanism 21, is actuated, in particular controlled, by a lever. Further advantageous, in particular compact, arrangements of the actuating element 15, adapted to the existing installation space, of the locking mechanism 21 and locking element 2 are thus possible.

[0039] The locking mechanism 21 can advantageously be securely connected to the locking element 2, in particular so as to be non-displaceable. When the locking mechanism 21 is actuated actuation of the locking element 2 can thus be ensured and locking and unlocking of the toner cartridge 1 in the printing device is therefore ensured.

[0040] In an advantageous development of the invention it can be provided that the actuating device 15 is arranged on one side of the handle 12 and is formed as a bevelled edge 16. This allows compact arrangement of the actuating device 15 and the bevelled edge 16 ensures particularly simple and particularly reliable cooperation between the handle 12 and the locking mechanism 21.

[0041] The toner cartridge 1 can be used in particular in a printing device, in particular laser printing device, with a receiver for the toner cartridge 1 according to the invention, it being possible to connect a locking element 2, which is actively connected to a locking mechanism 21, to the toner cartridge 1 and the locking mechanism 21 is constructed to cooperate with an actuating device 15 of the toner cartridge 1. This ensures reliable cooperation between locking mechanism 21 and actuating device 15. Intuitive handling of the toner cartridge 1 by the user is also thus ensured - in particular during replacement, whereby the risk of incorrect handling, in particular improper removal and/or insertion, of the toner cartridge 1 is low. Quick and easy replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is thus possible, it also being possible to remove the empty toner cartridge 1 from the printing device in particular with one movement, and with a further movement to insert the full toner cartridge 1 into the printing device. The construction of a housing without openings and/or recesses for the lever and/or the buttons for actuating a locking element 2 is thus possible and it is not necessary for the locking mechanism 21 to cooperate with the hinged lid of the housing, resulting in a functional separation. Inexpensive production, in particular of the housing, of the printing device can thus be ensured and the installation space taken up by the locking mechanism 21 and the locking element 2 in the printing device can be kept low.

[0042] In this connection it may advantageously be provided that the locking element 2 is constructed as a gearing extension 22. The toner cartridge 1 can thus be locked and driven by means of one element, whereby the particularly simple, compact and inexpensive construction of the toner cartridge 1 and the printing device is made possible and the number of moving parts in the printing device can be reduced.

[0043] Alternatively and/or additionally the locking element 2 can comprise a locking pin, a locking peg and/or locking hook which in the operating position of the toner cartridge 1 cooperates with the basic body 11 of the toner cartridge 1, whereby the relative position and locking of the toner cartridge 1 is particularly secure and is possible with small dimensional tolerances.

[0044] Fig. 2 to 4 show a plurality of, in particular successive, steps of a method for removing a toner cartridge 1 from the printing device, only the locking mechanism 21 and the locking element 2, formed as a gearing extension 22, of the printing device being shown. It is advantageously provided that the toner cartridge 1 is seized at the handle 12, the handle 12 being moved with respect to the basic body 12 of the toner cartridge 1, the locking mechanism 21 being actuated by the movement of the handle 12 by means of an actuating device 15 arranged on the handle 12, the toner cartridge 1 being released by a locking element 2 actively connected to the locking mechanism 21 and once the toner cartridge 1 has been released it is removed from the printing device by a further movement of the handle 12. Safe, quick and reliable removal of the toner cartridge 1 from the printing device is thus possible, the risk of maloperation being minimised and operation by the user can be particularly simple and intuitive.

[0045] Easy replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is thus possible, it being possible to ensure ease of use by simple, in particular one-handed, and quick replacement of the toner cartridge 1.

[0046] The toner cartridge 1 can in particular be removed substantially in just one direction, whereby removal can be carried out particularly simply and quickly.

[0047] The toner cartridge 1 can in particular be inserted substantially in just one direction, whereby insertion can be carried out particularly simply and quickly.

[0048] Quick and easy replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is thus made possible, it being possible to remove an empty toner cartridge 1 from a printing device in particular with one movement, and to insert a full toner cartridge 1 into the printing device with a further movement.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment the handle 12 can be formed with a bevelled edge 16 on one side and a diametrically opposed bevel can be formed on the locking element 2 on an elevation 25. Particularly simple, compact and reliable cooperation of handle 12 and locking element 2 can thus be ensured.

[0050] Fig. 2 schematically shows in a side elevation the toner cartridge 1 of Fig. 1, the locking mechanism 21 and the locking element 2 in a locked position 28. The toner cartridge 1 is arranged in the printing device in the operating position, the toner cartridge 1 being locked and actively connected to the printing device by means of the locking element 2. The handle 12 is in the closed position 14 in which - according to the objective disclosure - the handle 12 is substantially in a position that is as close as possible to the driving extension 23. The locking mechanism 21 is arranged so as to be substantially spaced apart and free from a frictional connection with respect to the handle 12 and/or actuating device 15. In this connection it may advantageously be provided that the actuating device 15 is diametrically opposed to the locking mechanism 21, whereby the, in particular in the operating position of the toner cartridge 1, compact, configuration of the actuating device 15 and the locking mechanism 21 is made possible. Good relative positioning and secure locking of the toner cartridge 1 in the printing device is thus ensured and using the position of the handle 12 the user can easily see whether the toner cartridge 1 is properly arranged, ready for use and/or in the operating position in the printing device.

[0051] Fig. 3 schematically shows in a side elevation the toner cartridge 1 of Fig. 1, the locking mechanism 21 and the locking element 2 in a first removal position. The base body 11 is still in the operating position in this case. The handle 12 however is in the open position 13 in which - according to the objective disclosure - the handle 12 is substantially in a position that is as far as possible from the driving extension 23, the handle 12 being displaced, in particular by the user, into a first direction 31 that points away from the basic element. The locking mechanism 21 is arranged in an unlocked position 29 and is accordingly displaced in a second direction 33 that points away from the basic element 11. Displacement in the second direction 33 is ensured in particular by cooperation between the actuating device 15 and locking mechanism 21, the actuating device 15 preferably being constructed as a bevelled edge 16 and on the locking mechanism 21 preferably the elevation 25 being formed in the direction of the second direction 33, a bevel that is substantially parallel to the bevelled edge 16 being formed in particular on the elevation 25. The first direction 31 and the second direction 33 enclose a predefined angle, in particular greater than 45°, preferably approximately 90°.

[0052] The bevelled edge 16 and the bevel on the elevation 25 can - viewed in a side elevation - enclose an angle of preferably 10° to 70°, in particular 25° to 55°, to the first direction 31. The bevelled edge 16 and the bevel on the elevation 25 can in particular be treated and/or finished with a surface coating, in particular to reduce friction when the active areas cooperate with an anti-stick coating, for example comprising plastics material, and can be spaced apart from each other in the closed position 13 of the handle 12. Static friction and adhesion of the two active areas moved relative to each other can thus be prevented when the toner cartridge 1 is removed or inserted and the frictional forces can be kept low. The toner cartridge can thus be replaced with particularly low application of forces and loading of the printing device, and toner cartridge 1 during removal and insertion can be particularly low.

[0053] The handle 12 - viewed in a side elevation - comprises in particular a first part 17 parallel to the first direction 31, a handle 18 substantially normal to the first direction 31, the bevelled edge 16 which is constructed in particular so as to be similar to a - in the sense of a technical drawing - chamfer and a second part 19 parallel to the first direction. The handle 18 can be constructed for ergonomic gripping, the handle 18 comprising, at least in certain sections, contact recesses and/or - viewed in a side elevation - can be formed with a radius. Intuitive handling by the user can thus be ensured and the contour of the handle 12 can be matched in particular to ergonomic requirements and/or the contour of the housing.

[0054] Displacement of the handle 12 in the first direction 31 results in this preferred embodiment in contact between the actuating element 15 formed as a bevelled edge 16 and the elevation 25 of the locking mechanism 21, whereby the locking mechanism 21 is displaced in the direction of the second direction 33. In the preferred embodiment the locking element 2 is in the process also displaced parallel in the direction of the second direction 33 and the basic body 11 of the toner cartridge 1 is unlocked. The toner cartridge 1 can thus be easily and reliably unlocked.

[0055] A second part 19 of the handle 12 that is substantially parallel to the first direction 31 can advantageously be formed adjacent to the end of the bevelled edge 16 - as provided in the preferred embodiment, so when the handle 12 is displaced in the direction of the first direction 31, the locking mechanism 21 does not undergo any further displacement and the locking mechanism 21 can thus be arranged and can dwell in the unlocked position 29 in the printing device - as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Cooperation of actuating element 15 and locking mechanism 21 can thus substantially be ensured throughout the entire process of removal and insertion of the toner cartridge 1, whereby the toner cartridge 1 can be replaced particularly reliably and with little risk of errors occurring.

[0056] In the first removal position of the toner cartridge 1 shown in Fig. 3 the elevation 25 of the locking mechanism 21 is in non-positive contact with the actuating device 15, the elevation 25 being in contact with the second part 19 of the handle 12. The locking mechanism 21 and the locking element are thus arranged in an unlocked position and the toner cartridge 1 can be removed from the printing device simply and reliably and with little expenditure of force.

[0057] Fig. 4 schematically shows in a side elevation the toner cartridge 1 of the preferred embodiment, the actuating device 15, the locking mechanism 21 and the locking element 2 in a second removal position. In this second removal position the handle 12 is in the open position 13 and the actuating device 15, in particular the second part 19, cooperates with the elevation 25 of the locking mechanism 21. In the second removal position the basic body 11 of the toner cartridge 1 is displaced relative to the operating position and in particular in the first direction 31. The toner cartridge 1 is thus free to be removed and can be completely removed from the printing device by a further movement, in particular by the user, in the direction of the first direction 31. Actuation can preferably take place with one hand, intuitive and simple handling of the toner cartridge 1 and the printing device during replacement of the toner cartridge 1 being ensured.

[0058] After complete removal of the toner cartridge 1 the actuating device 15 and/or the handle 12 can be returned to the closed position 14, in particular automatically by a restoring force, or remain in the open position 13. The handle 12 and/or the actuating device 15 can be arranged close to the basic body 11 and the risk of damage can be reduced.

[0059] After complete removal of the toner cartridge 1 the locking mechanism 21 and/or the locking element 2 can be returned to the locked position 28, and in particular automatically, or remain in the locked position 29. Locking mechanism 21 and/or locking element 2 can also be arranged in the secured position in the printing device toner cartridge-free.

[0060] The new, in particular unused, toner cartridge 1 is inserted in the reverse sequence. It can advantageously be seized with one hand by the user at the handle 12 and inserted into the printing device in the opposite direction to the first direction 31, i.e. in the direction of the operating position of the toner cartridge 1, a method for inserting the toner cartridge 1 into the printing device advantageously being carried out. In this method it can particularly preferably be provided that the locking mechanism 21 is opened by the toner cartridge 1, the toner cartridge 1 is inserted into the printing device up to a stop, the handle 12 is then optionally pushed in the direction of the closed position 14, relative to the basic body 11 of the toner cartridge 1, and that by bringing the handle 12 into the closed position 14 the locking mechanism 21 of the printing device disengages from the actuating mechanism 15 of the handle 12 and the locking element 2 of the printing device engages with the toner cassette 1. Quick and reliable insertion into the printing device and secure locking of the toner cartridge 1 therein is thus possible, it being possible to minimise the risk of maloperation and for operation by the user to be particularly simple and intuitive.

[0061] The elevation 25 of the locking mechanism 21 can advantageously be formed in such a way that the locking mechanism 21, and therewith the locking element 2, is also displaced in the direction of the second direction 33 during insertion of the toner cartridge 1. Simple and reliable arrangement of the locking mechanism 21 in the unlocked position 29 is thus also ensured during insertion of the toner cartridge 1 and the cartridge can be inserted with substantially only low expenditure of force. For this purpose the elevation 25 of the locking mechanism 21 can advantageously comprise further bevels for cooperation with the toner cartridge 1 during insertion, which bevels cooperate with the basic body 11 and/or the second part 19 of the handle 12. Particularly simple design of toner cartridge 1 and printing device 1 and particularly simple and reliable insertion of the toner cartridge 1 into the printing device is thus possible.

[0062] The elevation 25 can be dome-shaped, spherical cap-shaped, conical, truncated cone-shaped or - as shown in figures 1 to 4 - pyramid-shaped. A running surface for low-friction mutual passing-by of actuating element 15 and locking element 2 can likewise be formed in the region of the greatest height extension, i.e. in the region of a peak, the elevation 25, shown in figures 1 to 4, it being possible for the running surface to comprise ball bearings and/or cylinder bearings. The frictional forces during relative movement of the actuating element 15 and the locking element 2 and the necessary expenditure of force for replacing the toner cartridge 1 can thus be kept low and the life of the locking element 2 and the printing device increased.

[0063] Alternatively an elevation can be formed on the locking mechanism 21 instead of and/or in addition to the elevation 25 on the locking mechanism 21 on the actuating device 15. With the same functionality and effect of cooperation of the locking mechanism 21 with the actuating device 15, the individual spatial conditions in the printing device can be entered into such that the handle 12 and the locking mechanism 21 are constructed particularly simply and inexpensively and/or the expenditure of force required for replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is reduced.

[0064] In particular the printing device can advantageously be provided with a toner cartridge 1 according to the invention, it being possible to arrange and lock the toner cartridge 1 in the operating position for operation of the printing device and to achieve said advantages.

[0065] Further embodiments according to the invention comprise only some of the described features, it being possible to provide any combination of features, in particular also of different described embodiments.

Claims

1. Toner cartridge (1) for a printing device, in particular a laser printing device, the toner cartridge (1) comprising a basic body (11) and a handle (12) for inserting and/or removing the toner cartridge (1), characterised in that the handle (12) can be moved between an open position (13) and a closed position (14) with respect to a basic body (11) and in that the handle (12) has an actuating device (15) for a locking mechanism (21).

2. Toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating device (15) is arranged on one side of the handle (12) and is formed as a bevelled edge (16).

3. Printing device, in particular a laser printing device, with a receiver for a toner cartridge (1) according to either of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that a locking element (2) that is actively connected to a locking mechanism (21) can be connected to the toner cartridge (1), the locking mechanism (21) being constructed so as to cooperate with an actuating device (15) of the toner cartridge (1).

4. Printing device according to claim 3, characterised in that the locking element (2) is formed as a gearing extension.

5. Printing device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, comprising a toner cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

6. Printing device according to claim 5, characterised in that the actuating device (15) is diametrically opposed to the locking mechanism (21).

7. Method for removing a toner cartridge (1) from a printing device, characterised in that the toner cartridge (1) is seized at a handle (12), the handle (12) being moved with respect to a basic body (11) of the toner cartridge (1), a locking mechanism (21) being actuated by the movement of the handle (12) by means of an actuating device (15) arranged on the handle (12), the toner cartridge (1) being released by a locking element (2) actively connected to the locking mechanism (21) and once the toner cartridge (1) has been released it is removed from the printing device by a further movement of the handle (12).

8. Method for inserting a toner cartridge (1) into a printing device, characterised in that a locking mechanism (21) is opened by the toner cartridge (1), the toner cartridge (1) is inserted into the printing device as far as a stop, a handle (12) is subsequently optionally pushed in the direction of a closed position (14) relative to a basic body (11) of the toner cartridge (1), and in that bringing the handle (12) into the closed position (14) disengages a locking mechanism (21) of the printing device from an actuating device (15) of the handle (12) and a locking element (2) of the printing device engages with the toner cartridge (1).

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. Toner cartridge (1) for a printing device, in particular a laser printing device, the toner cartridge (1) comprising a basic body (11) and a handle (12) for inserting the toner cartridge (1) into the printing device in an opposite direction of the first direction (31) and/or removing the toner cartridge (1) from the printing device in the direction of a first direction 31 whereby the handle (12) has an actuating device (15) for a locking mechanism (21), characterised in that the handle (12) can be moved between a closed position (14) and an open position (13) with respect to a basic body (11) in the first direction (31).

2. Toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating device (15) is arranged on one side of the handle (12) and is formed as a bevelled edge (16).

3. Printing device, in particular a laser printing device, with a locking element (2) and a locking mechanism (21), whereby the locking element (2) is securely connected to the locking mechanism (21), said locking element (2) can be connected to the toner cartridge (1) and said locking mechanism (21) being constructed so as to cooperate with an actuating device (15) of the toner cartridge (1) characterised in a receiver for a toner cartridge (1) according to either of claims 1 to 2.

4. Printing device according to claim 3, characterised in that the locking element (2) is formed as a gearing extension.

5. Printing device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, comprising a toner cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

6. Method for removing a toner cartridge (1) from a printing device, characterised in that the toner cartridge (1) is seized at a handle (12), the handle (12) being moved with respect to a basic body (11) of the toner cartridge (1) in a first direction (31), a locking mechanism (21) being actuated by the movement of the handle (12) by means of an actuating device (15) arranged on the handle (12), the toner cartridge (1) being released by a locking element (2) securely connected to the locking mechanism (21) and once the toner cartridge (1) has been released it is removed in the first direction (31) from the printing device by a further movement of the handle (12) in the first direction (31).

7. Method for inserting a toner cartridge (1) into a printing device, characterised in that a locking mechanism (21) is opened by the toner cartridge (1), the toner cartridge (1) is inserted into the printing device in the opposite direction of the first direction (31) as far as a stop, a handle (12) is subsequently pushed in the opposite direction of the first direction (31) into a closed position (14) relative to a basic body (11) of the toner cartridge (1), and in that bringing the handle (12) into the closed position (14) disengages a locking mechanism (21) of the printing device from an actuating device (15) of the handle (12) and a locking element (2) of the printing device engages with the toner cartridge (1) for bringing the toner cartridge (1), the locking mechanism (21) and the locking element (2) in a locked position (28).

Drawing