EP0238939A1 - Device for transferring toner from a transport cartridge into a toner hopper - Google Patents

Device for transferring toner from a transport cartridge into a toner hopper Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0238939A1
EP0238939A1 EP87103539A EP87103539A EP0238939A1 EP 0238939 A1 EP0238939 A1 EP 0238939A1 EP 87103539 A EP87103539 A EP 87103539A EP 87103539 A EP87103539 A EP 87103539A EP 0238939 A1 EP0238939 A1 EP 0238939A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toner
transport container
settling
container
developer station
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP87103539A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0238939B1 (en
Inventor
Mehmet Ali Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Büyükgüclü
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Production Printing Germany GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0238939A1 publication Critical patent/EP0238939A1/en
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0894—Reconditioning of the developer unit, i.e. reusing or recycling parts of the unit, e.g. resealing of the unit before refilling with toner
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0849—Detection or control means for the developer concentration
    • G03G15/0855—Detection or control means for the developer concentration the concentration being measured by optical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S222/00—Dispensing
    • Y10S222/01—Xerography

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • charge images are recorded on a recording medium e.g. produced directly on an intermediate carrier (photoconductor drum) or directly on special paper and then colored with a black powder (toner) in a developer station.
  • a recording medium e.g. produced directly on an intermediate carrier (photoconductor drum) or directly on special paper and then colored with a black powder (toner) in a developer station.
  • an intermediate carrier is used, this toner image is then transferred to normal paper and fixed thereon.
  • a two-component developer consisting of ferromagnetic carrier particles and toner particles is generally used for the development.
  • the developer is guided past the charge image on the intermediate carrier by means of a magnetic brush arrangement, to which the toner sticks due to electrostatic forces.
  • An electrophotographic copier that develops charge images according to the specified principle is e.g. known from DE-AS 21 66 667.
  • the toner concentration in the developer mixture of the developer station decreases continuously. It is therefore necessary to continuously add new toner in a metered amount to the developer mixture.
  • a spacious toner reservoir is used in such devices in order to avoid downtimes by refilling toner.
  • the toner which is usually supplied in handy containers, is filled into the reservoir. It is important to fill the toner from the container into the storage container in such a way that no toner is spilled, thereby polluting the environment.
  • a device for filling and sieving toner from a container into a toner reservoir is known.
  • the toner located in a transport container namely a toner bottle
  • a storage container in that the toner bottle is slipped into a filling opening of the storage container.
  • a sieve basket In the area of the filling opening there is a sieve basket, which is closed off from the storage container by a sieve and which is connected to an electrical vibrating device which can be triggered if necessary.
  • the vibrating device is triggered by opening the cover closing the filler opening.
  • the object of the invention is to design a device of the type mentioned in such a way that the toner can be transferred from a simple, inexpensive transport container into a device-side storage container with a large capacity without toner solidifications occurring or that toner is spilled.
  • the toner is advantageously removed from a transport container, namely the toner bottle, by means of a flexible line by means of vacuum by suction. Via the flexible line, the toner reaches a storage container which is divided into a settling space and a suction space separated from the settling space.
  • the suction chamber is connected to a vacuum pump, which creates a vacuum, which causes the toner to settle on the filter of the sedimentation chamber. After the suction pump has been switched off, the toner falls onto a transport screw arranged at the bottom of the settling space, which feeds the toner in doses to the developer station of the printer.
  • the toner cannot clump together because the toner is not mechanically compressed.
  • the transport container is namely the toner bottle, not tied to a specific location and it can be connected or arranged in a user-friendly manner.
  • the toner reservoir itself does not contain any mechanically moving parts and can therefore be inexpensively thin-walled and made of plastic.
  • a combined holding and vibrating device which accommodates the transport container and is pivotably arranged on the device.
  • the device can optionally remain switched on until the bottle is empty, or it can be switched on as required if a predetermined remaining quantity in the storage container is undershot.
  • the transport container namely the toner bottle, can thus itself serve as an additional reservoir next to the actual storage container, with which the toner storage container itself can be made smaller.
  • a toner reservoir 10 from which the toner is fed to a developer station 11 for developing charge images.
  • the toner reservoir 10 has approximately the width of the development station 11, which corresponds approximately to the printing width, and is divided into a settling chamber 12 and a suction chamber 13.
  • the chambers are separated from one another by a filter device 14.
  • the filter device 14 is closed with respect to the suction space 13 by a pressure distribution plate 15 with a plurality of openings 16 arranged thereon.
  • the actual toner-tight filter 17 is located on the pressure distribution plate 15, which filter e.g. can consist of a glass mat. This filter 17 is sealed by foam strips 18 at the edges.
  • the pressure distribution plate can also consist of a simple support grid.
  • the openings 16 can be arranged and dimensioned according to the desired pressure distribution.
  • the suction chamber 16 is connected to a vacuum pump 19 operated by an electric motor.
  • the settling chamber 12 in turn has a connection piece 20 to which a flexible pipe 21 in the form of a suction nozzle is connected.
  • the flexible nozzle-shaped suction line 21 is inserted with its suction nozzle 24 into the toner bottle 22 and the suction pump 19 is then actuated.
  • the toner settles underneath the filter device 14, namely uniformly over the entire width of the toner reservoir.
  • connection piece 20 for the flexible line is therefore arranged in the upper part of the conical region of the settling chamber 25.
  • a metering device driven by a motor 26, in the form of a screw conveyor 27.
  • this screw transports toner to the developer station 11 as required.
  • a combined holding and vibrating device is located on the toner reservoir 10.
  • This device consists of a holding device 28, which is arranged pivotably on the device, for receiving the toner bottle 22.
  • a vibrating device 29 In the pivoting area of the holding device 28 there is a vibrating device 29.
  • a switch 30 is provided which fills the position of the holding device 28.
  • the toner bottle 22 is dashed in the swung-out shown state of the holding device locked in the holding device 28. Then the toner bottle, bayonet-like closure, not shown here, is connected to the flexible line 21 with a suitably designed suction nozzle 31.
  • the switch 30 actuating the vacuum pump 19 is interrupted. After swiveling up the holding device 28 in the direction of the arrow, the bottle comes into the effective range of the vibrating device 29.
  • the switch 30 can now be coupled to the vibrating device 29 or the vacuum pump 19 such that the vacuum pump 19 and the vibrating device 29 are automatically switched on when swiveling up.
  • the toner bottle 22 is shaken via a handle 32 which is operated by an electric motor.
  • the vibrator can also be designed according to DE-PS 32 24 296.
  • the bottle is quickly and completely emptied by shaking.
  • the device can optionally remain switched on until the toner bottle 22 becomes empty - for a 1 kg bottle, for example, one needs less than 1 minute - or it can be turned on as needed. This switching on can be carried out depending on the falling below a certain remaining amount in the storage container.
  • the toner bottle 22 serves as an additional reservoir for the toner reservoir 10.
  • the toner reservoir 10 itself can be made entirely of plastic.
  • the holding device with the hinge 33 connecting the housing of the device can be made of metal.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

Die Vorrichtung zum Einfüllen von Toner (23) aus einem Trans­portbehälter (22) in einen Tonervorratsbehälter (10) von wo aus der Toner dann einer Entwicklerstation (11) eines elektrofoto­graphischen Druck- oder Kopiergerätes zugeführt wird, enthält einen Tonervorratsbehälter (10) der in einen Absetzraum (12) und einen Saugraum (13) aufgeteilt ist. Der Absetzraum (12) und der Saugraum (13) sind über eine Filtereinrichtung (14) getrennt. Zum Umfüllen des Toners aus einem Transportbehälter (22) in den Tonervorratsbehälter (10) wird der Transportbehälter (22) über eine flexible Leitung (21) an den Absetzraum (12) angeschlossen. Eine mit dem Saugraum (13) verbundene Vakuumpumpe (19) erzeugt einen Unter­druck wodurch sich der Toner an der Filtereinrichtung (14) des Absetzraumes (12) absetzt. Eine am Boden des Absetzraumes (12) befindliche Dosiereinrichtung (27) transportiert den Toner zur Entwicklerstation (11).

Figure imgaf001
The device for filling toner (23) from a transport container (22) into a toner storage container (10) from where the toner is then fed to a developer station (11) of an electrophotographic printing or copying machine contains a toner storage container (10) which is placed in one Settling space (12) and a suction space (13) is divided. The sedimentation chamber (12) and the suction chamber (13) are separated by a filter device (14). To transfer the toner from a transport container (22) into the toner storage container (10), the transport container (22) is connected to the settling chamber (12) via a flexible line (21). A vacuum pump (19) connected to the suction chamber (13) generates a negative pressure whereby the toner settles on the filter device (14) of the settling chamber (12). A metering device (27) located at the bottom of the settling space (12) transports the toner to the developer station (11).
Figure imgaf001

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Oberbe­griff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

In der Kopiertechnik und bei modernen Datenschnelldruckern die nach dem Prinzip der Elektrofotographie arbeiten, wer­den Ladungsbilder auf einem Aufzeichnungsträger z.B. di­rekt auf einen Zwischenträger (Fotoleitertrommel) oder di­rekt auf Spezialpapier erzeugt und anschließend mit einem schwarzen Pulver (Toner) in eine Entwicklerstation einge­färbt. Dieses Tonerbild wird bei Verwendung eines Zwi­schenträgers anschließend auf Normalpapier übertragen und auf diesem fixiert. In der Regel wird zum Entwickeln ein Zweikomponenten-Entwickler verwendet, der aus ferromagne­tischen Trägerteilchen und Tonerteilchen besteht. Der Ent­wickler wird mittels einer Magnetbürstenanordnung am La­dungsbild auf dem Zwischenträger vorbeigeführt, an dem der Toner verursacht durch elektrostatische Kräfte haften bleibt.In copying technology and in modern high-speed data printers that work on the principle of electrophotography, charge images are recorded on a recording medium e.g. produced directly on an intermediate carrier (photoconductor drum) or directly on special paper and then colored with a black powder (toner) in a developer station. When an intermediate carrier is used, this toner image is then transferred to normal paper and fixed thereon. A two-component developer consisting of ferromagnetic carrier particles and toner particles is generally used for the development. The developer is guided past the charge image on the intermediate carrier by means of a magnetic brush arrangement, to which the toner sticks due to electrostatic forces.

Ein elektrofotographisches Kopiergerät, das nach dem an­gegebenen Prinzip Ladungsbilder entwickelt, ist z.B. aus der DE-AS 21 66 667 bekannt.An electrophotographic copier that develops charge images according to the specified principle is e.g. known from DE-AS 21 66 667.

Durch das Einfärben der Ladungsbilder auf dem Zwischen­träger nimmt die Tonerkonzentration im Entwicklergemisch der Entwicklerstation ständig ab. Es ist darum erforder­lich, dem Entwicklergemisch ständig neuen Toner dosiert zuzuführen. Da bei schnellen Kopiergeräten und Hochlei­stungsdatendruckern der Tonerverbrauch pro Zeiteinheit sehr hoch ist, wird bei solchen Geräten ein geräumiger Tonervorratsbehälter verwendet um Stillstandszeiten durch Nachfüllen von Toner zu vermeiden. Wenn dieser Tonervor­ratsbehälter leer ist, wird der Toner, der üblicherweise in handlichen Behältern geliefert wird, in den Vorrats­behälter gefüllt. Dabei ist es wichtig, den Toner aus dem Behälter so in den Vorratsbehälter zu füllen, daß kein To­ner verschüttet wird und dadurch die Umgebung verschmutzt.Due to the coloring of the charge images on the intermediate carrier, the toner concentration in the developer mixture of the developer station decreases continuously. It is therefore necessary to continuously add new toner in a metered amount to the developer mixture. Because with fast copiers and high-performance data printers, the toner consumption per unit of time is very high, a spacious toner reservoir is used in such devices in order to avoid downtimes by refilling toner. When this toner reservoir is empty, the toner, which is usually supplied in handy containers, is filled into the reservoir. It is important to fill the toner from the container into the storage container in such a way that no toner is spilled, thereby polluting the environment.

Aus der DE-PS 32 24 296 ist eine Vorrichtung zum Einfüllen und Sieben von Toner aus einem Behälter in einen Tonervor­ratsbehälter bekannt. Dabei wird der in einem Transportbe­hälter, nämlich einer Tonerflasche, befindliche Toner ei­nem Vorratsbehälter dadurch zugeführt, daß die Tonerfla­sche in eine Einfüllöffnung des Vorratsbehälters gestülpt wird. Im Bereich der Einfüllöffnung ist ein gegenüber dem Vorratsbehälter mit einem Sieb abgeschlossener Siebkorb angeordnet, der mit einer bedarfsweise auslösbaren elek­trischen Rütteleinrichtung in Verbindung steht. Die Rüt­teleinrichtung wird dabei durch Öffnen des die Einfüll­öffnung abschließenden Deckels ausgelöst.From DE-PS 32 24 296 a device for filling and sieving toner from a container into a toner reservoir is known. In this case, the toner located in a transport container, namely a toner bottle, is fed to a storage container in that the toner bottle is slipped into a filling opening of the storage container. In the area of the filling opening there is a sieve basket, which is closed off from the storage container by a sieve and which is connected to an electrical vibrating device which can be triggered if necessary. The vibrating device is triggered by opening the cover closing the filler opening.

Bei derartigen Einfüllvorrichtungen besteht nun die Ge­fahr, daß beim manuellen Umfüllen aus der Tonerflasche der Toner verschüttet wird. Da außerdem der Toner nur an einer bestimmten Stelle dem Tonervorratsbehälter zugeführt wird, sind besondere Verteilereinrichtungen im Tonervor­ratsbehälter notwendig, um eine gleichmäßige Zuführung des Toners zur Entwicklerstation zu gewährleisten.With such filling devices, there is now a risk that the toner will spill out of the toner bottle during manual refilling. In addition, since the toner is only supplied to the toner supply container at a certain point, special distribution devices in the toner supply container are necessary in order to ensure a uniform supply of the toner to the developer station.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art so auszugestalten, daß der Toner aus einem einfachen kostengünstigen Transportbehälter in einen geräteseitigen Vorratsbehälter mit großem Fassungs­vermögen umgefüllt werden kann, ohne daß dabei Toner­verfestigungen auftreten oder daß Toner verschüttet wird.The object of the invention is to design a device of the type mentioned in such a way that the toner can be transferred from a simple, inexpensive transport container into a device-side storage container with a large capacity without toner solidifications occurring or that toner is spilled.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Vorrichtung der eingangs ge­nannten Art gemäß dem kennzeichnenden Teil des ersten Pa­tentanspruches gelöst.This object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned at the outset according to the characterizing part of the first claim.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichnet.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

In vorteilhafter Weise wird bei der Erfindung der Toner aus einem Transportbehälter nämlich der Tonerflasche über eine flexible Leitung mittels Unterdruck durch Saugen ent­fernt. Über die flexible Leitung gelangt der Toner in ei­nen Vorratsbehälter, der sich in einen Absetzraum und in einen von dem Absetzraum getrennten Saugraum aufteilt. Der Saugraum steht mit einer Unterdruckpumpe in Verbindung, die einen Unterdruck erzeugt, wodurch sich der Toner am Filter des Absetzraumes absetzt. Nach Abschalten der Saug­pumpe fällt der Toner auf eine am Boden des Absetzraumes angeordnete Transportschnecke, die den Toner dosiert der Entwicklerstation des Druckers zuführt.In the case of the invention, the toner is advantageously removed from a transport container, namely the toner bottle, by means of a flexible line by means of vacuum by suction. Via the flexible line, the toner reaches a storage container which is divided into a settling space and a suction space separated from the settling space. The suction chamber is connected to a vacuum pump, which creates a vacuum, which causes the toner to settle on the filter of the sedimentation chamber. After the suction pump has been switched off, the toner falls onto a transport screw arranged at the bottom of the settling space, which feeds the toner in doses to the developer station of the printer.

Durch die Verwendung einer Druckverteilerplatte mit einer Vielzahl von Öffnungen ergibt sich eine gleichmäßige Ver­teilung des Toners im Vorratsbehälter. Der Toner setzt sich dabei an den Stellen des Filters ab, an denen eine starke Strömung auftritt, wobei sich zunächst mehr Toner an diesen Stellen absetzt, als an Stellen mit geringerer Strömung. Durch die dickere Tonerschicht wird aber dann der Strömungswiderstand größer, so daß sich nun die Strömung verlagert. Dieser Vorgang wiederholt sich so­lange, bis eine bestimmte Tonerschichtdicke erreicht wird, dann fallen die Tonerpartikel in den Bereich der Dosiereinrichtung.The use of a pressure distribution plate with a large number of openings results in an even distribution of the toner in the storage container. The toner settles at the points of the filter where a strong flow occurs, with more toner initially settling at these points than at places with less flow. The thicker layer of toner then increases the flow resistance, so that the flow is now shifted. This process is repeated until a certain thickness of toner layer is reached, then the toner particles fall into the area of the metering device.

Eine Verklumpung des Toners kann nicht vorkommen, da der Toner mechanisch nicht zusammengedrückt wird.The toner cannot clump together because the toner is not mechanically compressed.

Durch den flexiblen Schlauch ist der Transportbehälter nämlich die Tonerflasche, nicht ortsgebunden und sie kann bediengünstig angeschlossen bzw. angeordnet werden. Der Tonervorratsbehälter selbst enthält keine mechanisch bewegten Teile und kann deshalb kostengünstig dünnwandig und aus Kunststoff hergestellt sein.Due to the flexible hose, the transport container is namely the toner bottle, not tied to a specific location and it can be connected or arranged in a user-friendly manner. The toner reservoir itself does not contain any mechanically moving parts and can therefore be inexpensively thin-walled and made of plastic.

Bei einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Er­findung ist eine den Transportbehälter aufnehmende kombi­nierte Halte- und Rütteleinrichtung vorgesehen, die schwenkbar am Gerät angeordnet ist. Beim Einlegen der Tonerflasche in einer ersten Aufnahmeposition der Halte­vorrichtung und nach Anschluß der Flasche an die flexible Zuleitung wird in einfacher Weise der Transportbehälter nach oben geschwenkt und damit die Rütteleinrichtung die im Schwenkbereich der Halteeinrichtung angeordnet ist und die Saugpumpe ausgelöst.In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a combined holding and vibrating device is provided which accommodates the transport container and is pivotably arranged on the device. When the toner bottle is inserted in a first receiving position of the holding device and after the bottle is connected to the flexible feed line, the transport container is pivoted upwards in a simple manner and thus the vibrating device which is arranged in the swiveling range of the holding device and the suction pump is triggered.

Die Einrichtung kann dabei wahlweise eingeschaltet blei­ben bis die Flasche leer ist oder sie kann nach Bedarf eingeschaltet werden, wenn eine vorbestimmte Restmenge im Vorratsbehälter unterschritten wird. Damit kann der Trans­portbehälter, nämlich die Tonerflasche, selbst als zusätz­liches Reservoir neben dem eigentlichen Vorratsbe­hälter dienen, womit der Tonervorratsbehälter selbst kleiner ausgestaltet werden kann.The device can optionally remain switched on until the bottle is empty, or it can be switched on as required if a predetermined remaining quantity in the storage container is undershot. The transport container, namely the toner bottle, can thus itself serve as an additional reservoir next to the actual storage container, with which the toner storage container itself can be made smaller.

Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und werden im folgenden beispielsweise näher beschrieben. Es zeigen

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Einfüllen von Toner aus einem Transportbehälter in einen Tonvorratsbehälter teilweise in Schnittdarstellung und
  • Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung derselben Vorrich­tung mit einer den Transportbehälter aufnehmenden kombi­nierten Halte- und Rütteleinrichtung.
Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below, for example. Show it
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device for filling toner from a transport container into a clay storage container, partly in a sectional view and
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the same device with a combined holding and vibrating device receiving the transport container.

In einem hier nicht dargestellten nichtmechanischen Schnelldrucker (Laserdrucker) befindet sich ein Toner­vorratsbehälter 10 aus dem der Toner einer Entwickler­station 11 zur Entwicklung von Ladungsbildern zugeführt wird. Der Tonervorratsbehälter 10 hat etwa die Breite der Entwicklungsstation 11 was in etwa der Druckbreite entspricht und gliedert sich in einen Absetzraum 12 und einen Absaugraum 13. Die Räume sind durch eine Filter­einrichtung 14 voneinander getrennt. Die Filtereinrichtung 14 ist hinsichtlich des Saugraumes 13 durch eine Druckver­teilerplatte 15 mit mehreren darauf angeordneten Öffnungen 16 abgeschlossen. Auf der Druckverteilerplatte 15 befindet sich das eigentliche tonerdichte Filter 17, das z.B. aus einer Glasmatte bestehen kann. Dieses Filter 17 ist durch Schaumstoffstreifen 18 an den Rändern abgedichtet. Die Druckverteilerplatte kann auch aus einem einfachen Stütz­gitter bestehen. Die Öffnungen 16 können dabei entspre­chend der gewünschten Druckverteilung angeordnet und di­mensioniert sein.In a non-mechanical high-speed printer (laser printer), not shown here, there is a toner reservoir 10 from which the toner is fed to a developer station 11 for developing charge images. The toner reservoir 10 has approximately the width of the development station 11, which corresponds approximately to the printing width, and is divided into a settling chamber 12 and a suction chamber 13. The chambers are separated from one another by a filter device 14. The filter device 14 is closed with respect to the suction space 13 by a pressure distribution plate 15 with a plurality of openings 16 arranged thereon. The actual toner-tight filter 17 is located on the pressure distribution plate 15, which filter e.g. can consist of a glass mat. This filter 17 is sealed by foam strips 18 at the edges. The pressure distribution plate can also consist of a simple support grid. The openings 16 can be arranged and dimensioned according to the desired pressure distribution.

Der Saugraum 16 steht mit einer elektromotorisch betrie­benen Unterdruckpumpe 19 in Verbindung. Der Absetzraum 12 wiederum hat einen Anschlußstutzen 20, an dem eine flexible Rohrleitung 21 in Form eines Saugrüssels ange­schlossen ist.The suction chamber 16 is connected to a vacuum pump 19 operated by an electric motor. The settling chamber 12 in turn has a connection piece 20 to which a flexible pipe 21 in the form of a suction nozzle is connected.

Zum Umfüllen eines in Tonerflaschen 22 angelieferten To­ners 23 in den Tonervorratsbehälter 10 bzw. in die Ent­wicklerstation 11 wird die flexible rüsselförmige Saug­leitung 21 mit ihrem Saugstutzen 24 in die Tonerflasche 22 eingeführt und dann die Saugpumpe 19 betätigt. Der im Saugraum 13 erzeugte Unterdruck, der gleichmäßig über die Öffnungen 16 der Druckverteilerplatte 15 wirkt, erzeugt einen entsprechenden Unterdruck im Absetzraum 12, wodurch der Toner 23 nach dem "Staubsaugerprinzip" in den Absetz­raum 12 eingesaugt wird. Der Toner setzt sich unterhalb der Filtereinrichtung 14 ab und zwar gleichmäßig über die gesamte Breite des Tonervorratsbehälter.To transfer a toner 23 delivered in toner bottles 22 into the toner storage container 10 or into the developer station 11, the flexible nozzle-shaped suction line 21 is inserted with its suction nozzle 24 into the toner bottle 22 and the suction pump 19 is then actuated. The negative pressure generated in the suction chamber 13, which acts uniformly through the openings 16 of the pressure distribution plate 15, generates a corresponding negative pressure in the settling chamber 12, whereby the toner 23 is sucked into the settling chamber 12 according to the "vacuum cleaner principle". The toner settles underneath the filter device 14, namely uniformly over the entire width of the toner reservoir.

Dies wird automatisch dadurch bewirkt, daß an den Stellen des Filters, an denen bedingt durch größere Öffnungen 16 oder erhöhte Durchlässigkeit des Filters 17 eine starke Strömung auftritt, so daß sich zunächst mehr Toner 23 an diesen Stellen absetzt, als an anderen Stellen mit ge­ringerer Strömung. Durch die entstehende dickere Toner­schicht wird aber der Strömungswiderstand an den erstge­nannten Stellen größer, was wiederum zu einer Verlangsa­mung des Absetzvorganges führt - womit wiederum die zweit­genannten Stellen eine stärkere Strömung erhalten. Dadurch setzen sich an diesen Stellen verstärkt die Tonerpartikeln ab. Dieser Vorgang wiederholt sich solange, bis eine be­stimmte Tonerschichtdicke erreicht wird. Dann fallen die Tonerpartikel in den unteren konisch zulaufenden Bereich 25 des Absetzraumes. Um das weitere Absaugen des Toners 23 nicht zu behindern ist deswegen der Anschlußstutzen 20 für die flexible Leitung im oberen Teil des konischen Be­reiches des Absetzraumes 25 angeordnet. Am unteren Bereich 25 des konisch ausgestalteten Absetzraumes 12 ist eine über einen Motor 26 angetriebene Dosiereinrichtung in Form einer Transportschnecke 27 angeordnet. Diese Schnecke transportiert bedarfsweise in Abhängigkeit von einer hier nicht dargestellten Füllstandsmeßeinrichtung Toner zu der Entwicklerstation 11.This is automatically brought about by the fact that at the points of the filter where a strong flow occurs due to larger openings 16 or increased permeability of the filter 17, so that more toner 23 initially settles at these points than at other places with less flow . The resulting thicker toner layer, however, increases the flow resistance at the former points, which in turn slows down the settling process - which in turn gives the latter points a stronger flow. As a result, the toner particles increasingly settle at these points. This process is repeated until a certain toner layer thickness is reached. Then the toner particles fall into the lower, conical region 25 of the settling space. In order not to hinder the further suction of the toner 23, the connection piece 20 for the flexible line is therefore arranged in the upper part of the conical region of the settling chamber 25. At the lower region 25 of the conically shaped settling chamber 12 there is a metering device, driven by a motor 26, in the form of a screw conveyor 27. Depending on a level measuring device (not shown here), this screw transports toner to the developer station 11 as required.

Bei einer in der Fig. 2 dargestellten besonders vorteil­haften Ausführungsform der Erfindung befindet sich am Tonervorratsbehälter 10 eine kombinierte Halte- und Rütteleinrichtung. Diese Einrichtung besteht aus einer schwenkbar am Gerät angeordneten Haltevorrichtung 28 zur Aufnahme der Tonerflasche 22. Im Schwenkbereich der Haltevorrichtung 28 befindet sich eine Rütteleinrich­tung 29. Weiterhin ist ein Schalter 30 vorgesehen, der die Position der Haltevorrichtung 28 abfüllt.In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, a combined holding and vibrating device is located on the toner reservoir 10. This device consists of a holding device 28, which is arranged pivotably on the device, for receiving the toner bottle 22. In the pivoting area of the holding device 28 there is a vibrating device 29. Furthermore, a switch 30 is provided which fills the position of the holding device 28.

Um den Tonervorrat im Tonervorratsbehälter zu ergänzen, wird die Tonerflasche 22 im abgeschwenkten gestrichelt dargestellten Zustand der Haltevorrichtung in der Halte­vorrichtung 28 verrastet. Sodann wird die Tonerflasche bajonettartigen hier nicht dargestellten Verschluß mit einem entsprechend ausgestalteten Ansaugstutzen 31 mit der flexiblen Leitung 21 verbunden. Der die Unterdruckpumpe 19 betätigende Schalter 30 ist dabei unterbrochen. Nach Hochschwenken der Haltevorrichtung 28 in Pfeilrichtung gelangt die Flasche in den Wirkungsbereich der Rüttel­einrichtung 29. Der Schalter 30 kann nun so mit der Rüt­teleinrichtung 29 bzw. der Unterdruckpumpe 19 gekoppelt sein, daß beim Hochschwenken die Unterdruckpumpe 19 und die Rütteleinrichtung 29 automatisch eingeschaltet werden. Über einen Schwengel 32, der elektromotorisch betrieben ist, wird die Tonerflasche 22 gerüttelt. Die Rüttelein­richtung kann aber auch entsprechend der DE-PS 32 24 296 ausgestaltet sein.In order to supplement the toner supply in the toner supply container, the toner bottle 22 is dashed in the swung-out shown state of the holding device locked in the holding device 28. Then the toner bottle, bayonet-like closure, not shown here, is connected to the flexible line 21 with a suitably designed suction nozzle 31. The switch 30 actuating the vacuum pump 19 is interrupted. After swiveling up the holding device 28 in the direction of the arrow, the bottle comes into the effective range of the vibrating device 29. The switch 30 can now be coupled to the vibrating device 29 or the vacuum pump 19 such that the vacuum pump 19 and the vibrating device 29 are automatically switched on when swiveling up. The toner bottle 22 is shaken via a handle 32 which is operated by an electric motor. The vibrator can also be designed according to DE-PS 32 24 296.

Durch das Rütteln wird eine schnelle rückstandfreie Ent­leerung der Flasche erreicht.The bottle is quickly and completely emptied by shaking.

Die Einrichtung kann wahlweise eingeschaltet bleiben, bis die Tonerflasche 22 leer wird - für eine 1 Kg-Flasche braucht man z.B. weniger als 1 Minute - oder sie kann nach Bedarf eingeschaltet werden. Dieses Einschalten kann in Abhängigkeit von dem Unterschreiten einer bestimmten Rest­menge im Vorratsbehälter vorgenommen werden. Die Toner­flasche 22 dient dabei als zusätzliches Reservoir für den Tonervorratsbehälter 10.The device can optionally remain switched on until the toner bottle 22 becomes empty - for a 1 kg bottle, for example, one needs less than 1 minute - or it can be turned on as needed. This switching on can be carried out depending on the falling below a certain remaining amount in the storage container. The toner bottle 22 serves as an additional reservoir for the toner reservoir 10.

der Tonervorratsbehälters 10 selbst kann vollständig aus Kunststoff gefertigt werden. Die Haltevorrichtung mit dem Gehäuse des Gerätes verbindenden Scharniers 33 kann aus Metall hergestellt sein.the toner reservoir 10 itself can be made entirely of plastic. The holding device with the hinge 33 connecting the housing of the device can be made of metal.

Claims (10)

1. Vorrichtung zum Einfüllen von Toner (23) aus einem Transportbehälter (22) in einen Tonervorratsbehälter (10) von wo aus der Toner dann einer Entwicklerstation (11) eines elektrofotographischen Druck- oder Kopierge­rätes zugeführt wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Tonervorratsbehälter (10) einen Absetzraum (12) der mit der Entwicklerstation (11) in Verbindung steht und einen von dem Absetzraum über eine Filtereinrichtung (14) ge­trennten Saugraum (13) mit zugeordneter Unterdruck er­zeugender Einrichtung (19) aufweist, wobei zum Umfüllen des Toners (23) aus dem Transportbehälter (22) der Trans­portbehälter (22) über eine Zuführungsleitung (21) an den Absetzraum (12) anschließbar ist und dann durch Unter­druckerzeugung im Saugraum (13) sich der Toner im Absetz­raum (12) absetzt.1. Device for filling toner (23) from a transport container (22) into a toner storage container (10) from where the toner is then fed to a developer station (11) of an electrophotographic printing or copying device,
characterized in that the toner supply container (10) has a settling space (12) which is connected to the developer station (11) and has a suction space (13) separated from the settling space via a filter device (14) with an associated negative pressure generating device (19), wherein for transferring the toner (23) from the transport container (22) the transport container (22) can be connected to the settling chamber (12) via a feed line (21) and then the toner in the settling chamber (12) is generated by creating a vacuum in the suction chamber (13) discontinues. 2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß am Boden des Absetzraumes (12) eine den Toner (23) der Entwicklerstation (11) zu­führende Dosiereinrichtung (27) angeordnet ist.2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at the bottom of the settling space (12) is arranged a toner (23) of the developer station (11) feeding metering device (27). 3. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß die Fil­tereinrichtung (14) eine Druckverteilerplatte (15) mit einer Vielzahl von Öffnungen (16) und eine Filtermatte (17) aufweist.3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter device (14) has a pressure distribution plate (15) with a plurality of openings (16) and a filter mat (17). 4. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß der Ab­setzraum (12) derart aufgebaut ist, daß sich mindestens bei Unterbrechen der Unterdruckerzeugung der Toner (23) im Bereich der Dosiereinrichtung (27) absetzt.4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the settling space (12) is constructed such that the toner (23) settles in the region of the metering device (27) at least when the vacuum generation is interrupted. 5. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß die Dosier­einrichtung eine Transportschnecke (27) aufweist.5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the metering device has a transport screw (27). 6. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß der Ab­setzraum (12) mit einer Saugpumpe (19) in Verbindung steht.6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the settling chamber (12) is connected to a suction pump (19). 7. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, ge­kennzeichnet durch eine den Transportbe­hälter aufnehmende Halte- und Rütteleinrichtung (28, 29).7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a transport container receiving holding and vibrating (28, 29). 8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß die Halteeinrichtung (28) schwenkbar am Gerät angeordnet ist, wobei in einer ersten Aufnahmeposition der Transportbehälter (23) in die Halte­einrichtung (28) einlegbar und mit einer flexiblen Lei­tung (21) an den Tonervorratsbehälter (10) anschließbar ist und daß nach Verschwenken der Haltevorrichtung (28) in den Wirkungsbereich der Rütteleinrichtung (29) über entsprechende Schalteinrichtungen (30) die Rüttelein­richtung (29) und/oder die Unterdruck erzeugende Ein­richtung (19) aktivierbar sind.8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding device (28) is pivotally arranged on the device, wherein in a first receiving position of the transport container (23) in the holding device (28) can be inserted and with a flexible line (21) to the toner reservoir (10) can be connected and that after swiveling the holding device (28) into the effective range of the vibrating device (29), the vibrating device (29) and / or the vacuum-generating device (19) can be activated via corresponding switching devices (30). 9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß im Schwenkbereich der Halteeinrichtung eine Schalteinrichtung (30) angeordnet ist.9. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that a switching device (30) is arranged in the pivoting range of the holding device. 10. Verfahren zum Einfüllen von Toner (23) aus einem Transportbehälter (22) in einen Tonervorratsbehälter (10) von wo aus der Toner (23) dann einer Entwicklerstation (11) eines elektrofotographischen Druck- oder Kopierge­rätes zugeführt wird
gekennzeichnet durch die folgenden Ver­fahrensschritte: a) Mit Hilfe von Unterdruck wird der Toner (23) aus dem Transportbehälter (22) abgesaugt und an einer Filterein­richtung (14) in dem Tonervorratsbehälter (10) abge­schieden, b) der an der Filtereinrichtung (14) abgeschiedene Toner (23) wird über eine Dosiereinrichtung (27) der Entwickler­station (11) zugeführt. 10. A method for filling toner (23) from a transport container (22) into a toner storage container (10) from where the toner (23) is then fed to a developer station (11) of an electrophotographic printing or copying device
characterized by the following process steps: a) With the help of negative pressure, the toner (23) is sucked out of the transport container (22) and deposited on a filter device (14) in the toner supply container (10), b) the toner (23) deposited on the filter device (14) is fed to the developer station (11) via a metering device (27).
EP87103539A 1986-03-14 1987-03-11 Device for transferring toner from a transport cartridge into a toner hopper Expired - Lifetime EP0238939B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE3608605 1986-03-14
DE3608605 1986-03-14

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EP0238939A1 true EP0238939A1 (en) 1987-09-30
EP0238939B1 EP0238939B1 (en) 1990-06-06

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EP (1) EP0238939B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH07117786B2 (en)
DE (1) DE3763118D1 (en)

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WO1989002616A1 (en) * 1987-09-10 1989-03-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device for pneumatically filling a toner reservoir with toner from a transport container
EP0398458A2 (en) * 1989-05-18 1990-11-22 berolina Schriftbild Wolff, Busch & Partner KG Developing station for a laser printer
US5201349A (en) * 1987-09-10 1993-04-13 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device for pneumatically transferring toner from a transport container into a toner reservoir
WO1994009412A1 (en) * 1992-10-22 1994-04-28 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Pneumatic toner transport arrangement for an electrophotographic printing or copying machine
DE10223206A1 (en) * 2002-05-24 2003-12-11 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Device and method for dosing toner material in an electrophotographic printer or copier
DE10223232A1 (en) * 2002-05-24 2003-12-18 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Toner pouring device has a locking cap that fits over a storage container as it is pivoted enabling a removal opening within the cap to be used to transfer toner it to a receiving unit
DE10245031A1 (en) * 2002-09-26 2004-04-15 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Toner cartridge emptying device for use in an electrographical printer or copier to enable toner removal has a hose suction system that is connected to the opening of the cartridge to enable the suction removal of toner

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US5249020A (en) * 1990-06-27 1993-09-28 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Developing device for electrophotographic image recording apparatus
JPH05204244A (en) * 1992-01-23 1993-08-13 Ricoh Co Ltd Image forming device
IES940660A2 (en) * 1994-08-23 1996-01-24 Faircove Systems Improvements in and relating to dispensing apparatus
DE19642570B4 (en) * 1996-10-15 2007-08-16 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Devices for supplying toner
FR2809830B1 (en) 2000-05-12 2003-03-28 Fabrication & Recyclage Consom PROCESS FOR RECYCLING A LASER CARTRIDGE
FR2809663A1 (en) * 2000-05-12 2001-12-07 Fabrication & Recyclage De Con Method of refilling toner in laser printer cartridge by introducing dose of toner into longitudinal compartment through replenishment opening and putting back plug in place into replenishment opening
US7542703B2 (en) * 2002-05-20 2009-06-02 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Developing device replenishing a toner or a carrier of a two-ingredient type developer and image forming apparatus including the developing device
US7116928B2 (en) * 2002-12-18 2006-10-03 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Powder discharging device and image forming apparatus using the same
EP1584990A1 (en) * 2004-04-05 2005-10-12 Ricoh Co., Ltd. Toner supplying device with gas feeding
US10162288B2 (en) 2016-09-23 2018-12-25 Clover Technologies Group, Llc System and method of remanufacturing a toner container
US9946199B1 (en) * 2016-09-23 2018-04-17 Clover Technologies Group, Llc System and method of filling a toner container

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Cited By (14)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1989002616A1 (en) * 1987-09-10 1989-03-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device for pneumatically filling a toner reservoir with toner from a transport container
US5201349A (en) * 1987-09-10 1993-04-13 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device for pneumatically transferring toner from a transport container into a toner reservoir
EP0398458A2 (en) * 1989-05-18 1990-11-22 berolina Schriftbild Wolff, Busch & Partner KG Developing station for a laser printer
EP0398458A3 (en) * 1989-05-18 1991-08-14 berolina Schriftbild Wolff, Busch & Partner KG Developing station for a laser printer
WO1994009412A1 (en) * 1992-10-22 1994-04-28 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Pneumatic toner transport arrangement for an electrophotographic printing or copying machine
US5521690A (en) * 1992-10-22 1996-05-28 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Pneumatic toner transport device for an electrographic printing or copying machine
DE10223206A1 (en) * 2002-05-24 2003-12-11 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Device and method for dosing toner material in an electrophotographic printer or copier
DE10223232A1 (en) * 2002-05-24 2003-12-18 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Toner pouring device has a locking cap that fits over a storage container as it is pivoted enabling a removal opening within the cap to be used to transfer toner it to a receiving unit
DE10223232B4 (en) * 2002-05-24 2004-06-03 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Method and device for conveying toner material from a storage container and the associated toner storage container
US6889026B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2005-05-03 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Method of conveying toner from a toner refill container
US7561832B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2009-07-14 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Device and method for dosing toner material in an electrophotographic printer or copier
US7840166B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2010-11-23 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Device and method for dosing toner material in an electrophotographic printer or copier
DE10245031A1 (en) * 2002-09-26 2004-04-15 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Toner cartridge emptying device for use in an electrographical printer or copier to enable toner removal has a hose suction system that is connected to the opening of the cartridge to enable the suction removal of toner
DE10245031B4 (en) * 2002-09-26 2004-09-30 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Method and device for emptying a toner container in a printing device and such a printing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4833501A (en) 1989-05-23
JPS62218976A (en) 1987-09-26
DE3763118D1 (en) 1990-07-12
EP0238939B1 (en) 1990-06-06
JPH07117786B2 (en) 1995-12-18

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