EP0932855B1 - Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'alimentation en toner - Google Patents

Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'alimentation en toner Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0932855B1
EP0932855B1 EP97912063A EP97912063A EP0932855B1 EP 0932855 B1 EP0932855 B1 EP 0932855B1 EP 97912063 A EP97912063 A EP 97912063A EP 97912063 A EP97912063 A EP 97912063A EP 0932855 B1 EP0932855 B1 EP 0932855B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toner
machine according
storage container
machine
container
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP97912063A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0932855A1 (fr
Inventor
Blasius Wilhelm
Georg BÖHMER
Karl-Heinz Jenak
Joseph Knott
Peter Bremmer
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
Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP0932855A1 publication Critical patent/EP0932855A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0932855B1 publication Critical patent/EP0932855B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/10—Collecting or recycling waste developer
    • G03G21/12—Toner waste containers
    • 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
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0856—Detection or control means for the developer level
    • G03G15/0858—Detection or control means for the developer level the level being measured by mechanical 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/10—Collecting or recycling waste developer
    • G03G21/105—Arrangements for conveying toner waste

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for electrographic production of image patterns on a recording medium, in particular Printer or copier, with at least one printing unit, the toner is supplied from a toner reservoir.
  • the invention relates to various aspects of the invention Devices for supplying and / or discharging the toner of the toner in such a device.
  • the Device covers e.g. Appliance doors, to an electrical safety device are connected.
  • the appliance doors When opening the appliance doors is the copier through this security device switched off.
  • a toner container can be opened through this opening be fed to the copier with fresh toner.
  • the Fresh toner is transferred to a container. The so emptied The toner container is then filled with waste toner.
  • 5,329,340 is a device for electrophotographic Generation of image patterns on a record carrier known.
  • the machine contains two toner containers. If the first toner container is empty, the second one Toner reservoir switched. The resulting waste toner is collected in a waste toner container. In case that the waste toner container is not available, the waste toner becomes in an additional container inside the Device or outside of the device.
  • WO-A-95 10074 describes a color printer with a Development unit. This developing unit becomes toner from a toner reservoir by means of a feed line and fed to a pump.
  • FIG 1 is schematically the front of a high performance printer 10 shown, the single sheets with high Speed can print.
  • the high-performance printer 10 contains two printing units (not shown), each of which a toner reservoir is assigned, from which toner the is supplied to the respective printing units.
  • the toner reservoir are essentially permanently installed in the high-performance printer 10 and must be used at intervals depending on consumption be refilled through a filling opening 20.
  • the serve two device doors 12a, 12b which can be pivoted outwards to cover inner parts of the high-performance printer 10 and the toner reservoir.
  • the appliance doors 12a, 12b are connected to an electrical safety device which in the open state of an appliance door 12a, 12b the operation of the High performance printer 10 interrupts.
  • Allowing toner is in the area of the respective filling opening 20 of the two toner containers by flaps 14, 16 each have a closable opening are not connected to the security system.
  • a control panel 18 which, like is described below, can be swung out.
  • FIG. 2 shows the front view of the high-performance printer 10 according to Figure 1 with open flaps 14, 16.
  • the state of the flaps are the filling openings 20 of the toner storage containers 22 visible.
  • toner can be standardized Refill bottle in the toner reservoir 22 can be refilled without opening the appliance door 12a, 12b and to interrupt printing.
  • the flaps 14, 16 are the inner parts of the high performance printer 10 again completely protected from the outside world.
  • Figure 3 shows the state when refilling with a standardized Toner refill bottle 24.
  • the refill bottle 24 is with its bottle neck 26 in an inclined position through an opening 28 in the panel 30 in an opening of the toner reservoir 22 introduced and this is filled with toner.
  • the flap 16 closes the opening 28.
  • the flap 16 is shaped so that it is open at the top Container space 32 defined. This container space 32 is used for Catch up any spilled toner. Access to the toner reservoir 22 for the refill bottle 24 is designed so that toner spillage during Attaching the refill bottle 24 easily avoided and emptying the refill bottle 24 due to its inclined position without problems can be done by gravity.
  • control panel 18th can be pivoted.
  • the filler opening of the toner reservoir 22 is designed such that when refilling with the standardized refill bottle 24 with play on swung out control panel 18 can be inserted.
  • Figure 4 shows the flap 16 in the closed for a better understanding State in which the opening 28 is perfect is covered.
  • Figure 5 shows another embodiment in which the Flap 14 in the upper edge area of the trim of the High performance printer 10 is arranged. According to Figure 6 is closed recognize that in the closed state of the flap 14 the cuboid Housing shape is completed again.
  • the toner reservoir 22 is a partial section shown.
  • the toner reservoir 22 holds the contents of two refill bottles, each with 0.6 kg toner. Accordingly the toner reservoir 22 has a holding volume of approximately 3.6 1, whereby the pouring cone created during the filling process at the shape of the toner reservoir 22 as additional required space must be taken into account.
  • a mouthpiece 34 is inserted, which is fixed by a spring element 35.
  • the mouthpiece 34 has a funnel-shaped section 36 which ensures that the smallest possible annular gap between the mouthpiece opening 34 and the refill bottle is created.
  • the central axis the opening of the mouthpiece 34 runs obliquely to the vertical, so that the refill bottle is placed in an oblique position can be avoided and toner spillage is avoided.
  • the central axis of the opening of the mouthpiece 34 roughly intersects that Central axis of the toner reservoir 22, which ensures is that the cone is in the middle of the toner container 22 is built.
  • the mouthpiece 34 opening becomes tight after refilling with a cap 37 locked.
  • the cover 37 has on its underside a spring catch 38, through which it is inserted after the mouthpiece 34 snaps into place.
  • At his The top cover 37 has a handle 40.
  • Figure 8 shows schematically the structure of the toner reservoir 22 seen from the side.
  • the central axis 44 of the mouthpiece 34 intersects the central axis 46 of the toner reservoir about halfway up.
  • a channel 40 through which toner 54 is conveyed in the direction of arrow 48 to the printing unit.
  • Figures 10, 11 and 12 relate to another aspect of the Invention, according to which in the toner reservoir a small Negative pressure is generated.
  • Figure 10 illustrates refilling of the toner reservoir 22.
  • toner dust 62 arises, which without further measures also from the annular gap opening on the mouthpiece 34 can emerge.
  • at least 64 air during the filling process by a fan from the toner reservoir 22 via an air discharge opening 66 aspirated, causing air in the direction of arrows 68 through the annular gap is sucked in at the bottle neck.
  • Toner dust 62 cannot leave.
  • the air discharge opening 66 is according to FIG 10 on the inside of the toner reservoir 22 with a filter 70 that retains toner.
  • the air vent 66 is in the upper area of the toner reservoir 22 arranged, preferably in the toner-free area.
  • FIG. 11 An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 11.
  • An outlet nozzle 71 is connected to a connecting hose 72, leading into the interior 74 of the printer.
  • the fan 64 is arranged in the interior 74 of the printer in this variant.
  • FIG. 12 shows a further development of the arrangement Figure 11. In this development, the filter 70 is inside 74 of the printer arranged and not in the toner reservoir 22.
  • a controller When the printer is operating, a controller ensures that the vacuum at the latest at the beginning of the toner refill process is built up in the toner reservoir 22, until completion the refilling process must be maintained. For example can start the suction by an electromechanical Switches are made when opening the toner reservoir 22 is operated. It is also possible to use the negative pressure in the toner reservoir 22 throughout operation of the printer.
  • FIG. 13 shows a diagram on the basis of which the Decrease in the toner level in the toner reservoir 22 via the operating time of the printer is illustrated.
  • the abscissa is the operating time and the ordinate is the toner level shown.
  • the toner level is in the characteristic 75 drawn in, in which the level sensor 58 a Gives a warning signal. This warning signal means that the toner soon runs out and toner needs to be refilled. Within the remaining time in which there is still enough toner is present to maintain printing operations an operator refill toner.
  • the location of the level sensor 58 can be changed, whereby the arrow 76 displayed range can be set to the remaining time can, within the refill without interrupting printing can be done.
  • the warning signal is preferably emitted, if the level is 10 to 40% of the total in Toner reservoir 22 is located.
  • the control must generate an abort signal, by which the printing operation is switched off.
  • an abort signal In addition to the Generation of an abort signal after the elapse of a predetermined time it may also depend on the consumption of the remaining toner are generated. For example, the Consumption of toner in connection with a toner brand regulation be determined with a clocked toner supply.
  • This toner mark control everyone gets too bright colored toner mark on the photoconductor drum of the printing unit a control impulse for the toner supply for a gradually controlled dosing shaft.
  • the time for toner replenishment i.e.
  • the delivery times and the dosage per unit of time be determined when the remaining amount of toner after the occurrence of the warning signal has been used up. Accordingly the abort signal is generated. In this way, the Total time for toner to be refilled in order to maintain uninterrupted operation, be optimally determined.
  • Figure 14 shows schematically the Removal of waste toner from cleaning station 80 via an adapter unit 82 into a waste toner container 84.
  • the waste toner container 84 against an empty one can be exchanged.
  • the waste toner box 84 is not directly on the cleaning station 18 connected, but as a connector the adapter unit 82 is provided, which ensure must ensure that the toner is not affected by its cohesive forces still attached to it by the residual electrical charge or builds up, which can lead to constipation.
  • the construction of the adapter unit 82 is shown in FIG Side view, a top view and in a side cross section shown.
  • the adapter unit 82 has on the side the cleaning unit 20 a stable collar 88, which as Turned part is formed.
  • a further rotating part 90 is provided, which, as later will be explained, recorded in a locking plate is.
  • a flexible hose 92 is arranged between the collar 88 and the rotating part 90 .
  • This hose 92 is made made of silicone-containing plastic and is in the parts 88, 90 vulcanized.
  • hose 92 can compensate for design tolerances horizontally respectively; on the other hand, this hose 92 perform vertical movements and deformations without deformation remains.
  • the hose 92 expands frustoconical towards the waste toner container. Thereby becomes a permanent accumulation of waste toner in the hose 92 avoided.
  • Figure 16 illustrates the flexibility of the adapter unit 82, being independent at both ends can perform an angular movement of approx. 8 °.
  • the dash-colon lines of the main drop channel 94 is shown, in which the Waste toner overcomes a drop distance of approx. 100 mm without a clumping of the waste toner or sticking to the inside he follows.
  • the adapter unit 82 on a swivel arm 96 of the cleaning unit 80 is connected by a clamp connection 98.
  • the turned part 90 is received in a recess of a locking plate 100, which in a pin 102 rotatable in one plane 104 is mounted, which is perpendicular to the plane of the paper.
  • the Locking plate 100 is with a tension spring 106 in the direction of the waste toner container 84 biased.
  • Figure 17 shows the adapter unit 82 and the locking plate 100 when replacing the waste toner container (in Fig 17 not shown).
  • the locking plate is used to unlock 100 using a force F of approx. 15 N after pressed above, the rotating part 90 with its inner surface from the neck 108 of the waste toner container 84 with compression of hose 92 releases. In this state the Waste toner container 84 are moved out, as in the following Figure 18 is explained in more detail.
  • FIG 18 is a side view of the in a drawer 110 used waste toner container 84 shown. Shown is the operating status at which waste toner is in the waste toner container 84 is directed.
  • the drawer 110 is on telescopic rails 112 stored and can in the direction of arrow 114 are pushed out to replace the waste toner container 84.
  • the waste toner container 84 is formed of a sheet metal Swivel element 118 with the force F against the rear wall 115 of the drawer 110 and thus against the detection surface a capacitive level sensor 120 pressed.
  • the Force F is derived from a tension spring 116.
  • the swivel element 118 is pivotally mounted about a pivot bearing 119.
  • On Microswitch 122 detects the position of the drawer 110 Signal is evaluated for monitoring, as below is explained in more detail.
  • the new Waste toner container is against the by the swivel element 118 Level sensor 120 pressed so that a stable Operating position is reached. Then the Drawer 110 closed again, which is due to the microswitch 122 is signaled.
  • the locking plate 100 lowers again, loosen the kink (s) in hose 92 himself and waste toner can again from the adapter unit 82 in discharge the waste toner container 84.
  • Another microswitch 200 detects the raised or lowered position of the Locking plate.
  • the various operating states Z1 to Z4 are dependent from the signals from the two detectors 120 and 122 shown.
  • the signal of the Microswitch 200 is used, respectively correct position of the locking plate 100 to check, e.g.
  • the states are according to the aforementioned signal states F and M. Z1 to Z4 defined.
  • Figures 20 and 21 are these different operating states Z1 to Z4 clearly shown.
  • the drawer is in state Z1 ( Figure 20, left) 110 extended and waste toner level 130 high, i.e. the waste toner container should be replaced.
  • this operating state must within a predetermined change time the waste toner container 84 are replaced, otherwise generated the control unit receives an abort signal and the printing operation becomes set. Instead of the changeover time, it can actually accumulated waste toner can be evaluated, for example by determining the number of printed pixels and the set contrast or by determining the quantity promoted toner.
  • state Z2 that which is pivoted toward the level sensor 120 is deceptive Swivel element 118 a full waste toner container in front.
  • the drawer 110 is closed and the microswitch 122 is activated. Is in this operating state within a waste toner container has not been used for a predetermined time, so the printing operation is stopped.
  • the drawer 110 is in the operating state Z3 according to FIG. 21 opened and the level sensor 120 indicates that the waste toner level 130 is still below the full level. Is in this operating state within a predetermined time If the drawers are not closed, the printing operation is stopped.
  • Operating state Z4 defines printing operation without a fault.
  • the drawer 110 is closed and the capacitive Level sensor 120 indicates that waste toner level 130 is low and the waste toner bottle 84 is still sufficient can take up to waste toner.
  • control of the printer can reliably perform the printing operation control and the interruption-free replacement monitor the waste toner container in all operating states.
  • FIG. 22 shows further options for exchanging the Waste toner container shown without interrupting printing must become.
  • Essential for the uninterrupted print Changing the waste toner container is that the level sensor 120 gives a full signal to a state if there is still sufficient space for toner and still Sufficient time remains to take steps for the exchange of the Waste toner container 84 to make.
  • the control must immediately stop printing to avoid overfilling the waste toner container 84 and to prevent a possible toner jam.
  • the remaining one Time can be set based on printed pages, or it can set the time depending on the amount of waste toner become.
  • the amount of waste toner results from the transfer efficiency, and can e.g. based on the printed Pixels in connection with the transfer efficiency and the Pressure contrast can be determined precisely by the control. At this variant is the time until the exchange is completed maximum of the waste toner container.
  • waste toner arrives via an adapter tube 136 in the waste toner container 84.
  • the conveyor 132 is driven by a drive 134. If now between this drive 134 and the conveyor 132 a controllable clutch is inserted, the conveyor 132 can be replaced of the waste toner container 84 stand still. The while The waste toner that has to be replaced then remains in the delivery channel of sponsor 132.
  • Another option is to be flexible Adapter hose 136 to arrange a closure 138 which for Replacement of the waste toner container is actuated.
  • an intermediate container 142 may be provided, which during the Replacement of the waste toner container 84 takes its place and collect the waste toner.
  • Operation of the controllable clutch, the intermediate container 142 or the closure 138 can be controlled via the microswitch 122, which is the Moving out the drawer 110 determines.
  • the microswitch 122 can be the corresponding Actuators are activated.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Cleaning In Electrography (AREA)

Claims (27)

  1. Appareil pour la production électrographique d'images sur un support d'enregistrement, en particulier imprimante ou copieur, comprenant
    au moins un groupe imprimant auquel du toner est acheminé, en provenance d'un réservoir de toner (22) qui est monté de façon essentiellement fixe à l'intérieur de l'appareil et peut être rechargé à des intervalles de temps à travers une ouverture de remplissage (20),
    une enveloppe d'appareil (12a, 12b) destinée à envelopper des parties intérieures de l'appareil ainsi que le réservoir de toner (22),
    et un dispositif de sécurité électrique qui interrompt le fonctionnement de l'appareil, lors de l'ouverture de l'enveloppe de l'appareil (12a, 12b),
    dans lequel il est prévu dans l'enveloppe (12a, 12b) de l'appareil une ouverture à travers laquelle le réservoir de toner (22) peut être rechargé de l'extérieur sans que le processus d'impression ne soit interrompu,
       caractérisé en ce qu'une petite dépression est engendrée dans le réservoir de toner (22), au moins pendant l'opération de remplissage.
  2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture (20) de l'enveloppe (12a, 12b) de l'appareil se trouve dans la région de l'ouverture de remplissage (20) du réservoir de toner (22).
  3. Appareil selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérise en ce que l'enveloppe (12a, 12b) de l'appareil est constituée par une porte d'appareil verrouillable, et en ce que l'ouverture peut être fermée par une trappe basculante (14, 16) fixée dans la porte (12a, 12b) de l'appareil.
  4. Appareil selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la trappe (14, 16) possède un axe de basculement s'étendant horizontalement, autour duquel la trappe (14, 16) peut être pivotée vers le bas d'un angle prédéterminé.
  5. Appareil selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que la trappe (14, 16) est agencée de manière qu'à l'état ouvert, elle forme un récipient récepteur (32) pour le toner.
  6. Appareil selon une des revendications 3 à 5, caractérisé en ce que, dans la porte (12a, 12b) de l'appareil se trouve, au-dessus de la trappe (16), une ouverture prévue pour un panneau de service (18) qu'on peut basculer en dehors de cette ouverture, et en ce que l'ouverture de remplissage du réservoir de toner (22) est d'une configuration telle que, lors du rechargement avec un flacon de toner standardisé (24), ce flacon peut être introduit avec jeu en passant à l'aplomb du panneau de service (18) basculé vers l'extérieur.
  7. Appareil selon une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il constitue une imprimante à haute capacité possédant deux groupes d'impression, et en ce qu'il est prévu, pour chaque groupe d'impression, un réservoir de toner (22) auquel est associé une trappe basculante (14, 16) prévue dans la porte (12a, 12b) de l'appareil.
  8. Appareil selon une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le réservoir de toner (22) possède une pièce d'embouchure (34) qui forme l'ouverture de remplissage, ladite pièce d'embouchure (34) étant de préférence de nature à pouvoir être insérée de façon démontable.
  9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce qu'un couvercle de fermeture (37) muni d'une poignée (40) peut être inséré dans la pièce d'embouchure (34) de façon démontable.
  10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le couvercle de fermeture (37) possède un dispositif de verrouillage (38) chargé par ressort qui s'encliquette avec un mouvement d'encliquetage après l'insertion du couvercle de fermeture (37) dans la pièce d'embouchure (34).
  11. Appareil selon une des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé en ce que la pièce d'embouchure (34) possède un tronçon (36) en forme d'entonnoir, de sorte que, après l'introduction du col du flacon de recharge de toner (24), il se forme un jeu annulaire aussi petit que possible.
  12. Appareil selon une des revendications 8 à 11, caractérisé en ce que l'axe médian (44) de l'ouverture de la pièce d'embouchure (34) coupe à peu près l'axe médian (46) du réservoir (22) approximativement à l'intérieur du récipient de réserve de toner (22), de préférence dans la moitié supérieure du réservoir (22).
  13. Appareil selon une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le réservoir de toner (22) présente une ouverture de sortie d'air (66) à laquelle peut être raccordé à l'intérieur de l'appareil, un ventilateur (64) ou un tuyau de liaison (72) menant à un conduit d'extraction d'air.
  14. Appareil selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture de sortie d'air (66) est équipée, sur le côté intérieur du réservoir de toner (22), d'un filtre (70) qui retient le toner.
  15. Appareil selon la revendication 13 ou 14, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture de sortie d'air (66) se trouve dans la région supérieure du réservoir de toner (22), de préférence dans la région qui ne contient pas de toner.
  16. Appareil selon une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'état de remplissage de toner contenu dans le réservoir de toner (22) est détecté par un capteur d'état de remplissage (58), en ce que lorsqu'on tombe au-dessous d'une niveau de remplissage prédéterminé (75), un signal d'avertissement est produit, et en ce que, en fonction de ce signal d'avertissement, le rechargement du réservoir de toner (22) se produit sans interruption du fonctionnement d'impression ou de copie.
  17. Appareil selon la revendication 16, caractérisé en ce qu'il est prévu, comme capteur d'état de remplissage (58), un capteur capacitif qui est disposé sur la paroi extérieure du réservoir de toner (22) en pouvant coulisser dans une direction axiale, et qui produit le signal d'avertissement lorsque le niveau de remplissage dans le réservoir de toner (22) atteint sa position ou tombe au-dessous de cette position.
  18. Appareil selon une des revendications 16 ou 17, caractérisé en ce qu'après la production du signal d'avertissement, on vérifie si une certaine quantité minimum de toner est encore contenue dans le réservoir de toner (22), et en ce que, lorsqu'on tombe au-dessous de cette quantité minimum, une commande produit un signal d'interruption par lequel le fonctionnement d'impression ou de copie est mis à l'arrêt.
  19. Appareil selon une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'évacuation du vieux toner accumulé par une station de nettoyage (80) jusqu'à un récipient de vieux toner (84) peut être interrompue pour permettre le changement du récipient de vieux toner (84) sans interruption de l'impression.
  20. Appareil selon la revendication 19, caractérisé en ce que le vieux toner accumulé par une unité de nettoyage (80) contenue dans l'imprimante ou le copieur est acheminé à un récipient de vieux toner (84) par l'intermédiaire d'une unité adaptateur (82) qui comprend un tuyau flexible (92).
  21. Appareil selon la revendication 20, caractérisé en ce que le tuyau flexible (92) présente intérieurement une matière imperméable au toner et répulsive pour le tuner, et en ce qu'il est de préférence fabriqué en silicone.
  22. Appareil selon une des revendications 20 ou 21, caractérisé en ce que le tuyau flexible (92) s'élargit en tronc de cône en direction du récipient de vieux toner (84).
  23. Appareil selon une des revendications 19 à 22, caractérisé en ce que le récipient de vieux toner (84) est logé dans un tiroir (110) qui est monté sur des rails, de préférence sur des rails télescopiques (112).
  24. Appareil selon la revendication 23, caractérisé en ce que, lorsqu'on tire le tiroir (110), la plaque de verrouillage (100) se soulève sur une rampe, à une extrémité éloignée de son point de rotation (119), avec simultanément une compression du tuyau flexible (92), et en ce que, lorsqu'on repousse le tiroir (110) à l'intérieur, la plaque de verrouillage (100) s'encliquette derrière un bord de butée (124).
  25. Appareil selon une des revendications 19 à 24, caractérisé en ce qu'un micro-interrupteur (122) surveille la position du tiroir.
  26. Appareil selon la revendication 20, caractérisé en ce que l'évacuation du vieux toner, depuis la station de nettoyage (80) jusqu'à l'unité adaptateur (82), peut être interrompue pour permettre un changement du récipient de vieux toner (84) sans interruption de l'impression.
  27. Appareil selon une des revendications 19 à 26, caractérisé en ce qu'entre un entraínement (134) et un arbre de transport (132) destiné à évacuer le toner de la station de nettoyage (80), est intercalé un embrayage commandé qui peut être actionné pour le changement du récipient de vieux toner sans interruption de l'impression.
EP97912063A 1996-10-15 1997-10-15 Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'alimentation en toner Expired - Lifetime EP0932855B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19642570 1996-10-15
DE19642570A DE19642570B4 (de) 1996-10-15 1996-10-15 Vorrichtungen zur Tonerzuführung
PCT/DE1997/002386 WO1998016877A1 (fr) 1996-10-15 1997-10-15 Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'alimentation en toner

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0932855A1 EP0932855A1 (fr) 1999-08-04
EP0932855B1 true EP0932855B1 (fr) 2000-06-14

Family

ID=7808844

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97912062A Expired - Lifetime EP0932854B1 (fr) 1996-10-15 1997-10-15 Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'evacuation de l'ancien toner
EP97912063A Expired - Lifetime EP0932855B1 (fr) 1996-10-15 1997-10-15 Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'alimentation en toner

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97912062A Expired - Lifetime EP0932854B1 (fr) 1996-10-15 1997-10-15 Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'evacuation de l'ancien toner

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US7054591B1 (fr)
EP (2) EP0932854B1 (fr)
DE (3) DE19642570B4 (fr)
WO (2) WO1998016876A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19642570B4 (de) * 1996-10-15 2007-08-16 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Vorrichtungen zur Tonerzuführung
US6526236B1 (en) * 2001-11-13 2003-02-25 Nexpress Solutions Llc Replenisher mechanism for a reproduction apparatus development station with continuous monitoring of remaining marking particle material
DE10223206A1 (de) * 2002-05-24 2003-12-11 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Dosieren von Tonermaterial in einem elektrofotografischen Drucker oder Kopierer
US7054582B2 (en) * 2004-06-28 2006-05-30 General Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd Toner cartridge
JP4802872B2 (ja) * 2006-06-08 2011-10-26 富士ゼロックス株式会社 着脱カートリッジおよび画像形成装置
JP2008242165A (ja) * 2007-03-28 2008-10-09 Oki Data Corp 現像剤収納装置及び画像形成装置
DE102007040403A1 (de) 2007-08-27 2009-03-05 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Einrichtung und Verfahren zum Drucken von Bildmustern auf einem Aufzeichnungsträger
US7970295B2 (en) * 2008-01-28 2011-06-28 Xerox Corporation Document processing system and method for adjustable print consumable refill level
US8229341B2 (en) * 2009-10-02 2012-07-24 Xerox Corporation Waste cyclone dispense system with a controlled gate
JP5954150B2 (ja) * 2012-12-11 2016-07-20 富士ゼロックス株式会社 画像形成装置
JP6218554B2 (ja) * 2013-10-24 2017-10-25 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置
JP6225855B2 (ja) * 2014-08-27 2017-11-08 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 現像剤搬送機構、画像形成装置
KR20190141519A (ko) 2018-06-14 2019-12-24 휴렛-팩커드 디벨롭먼트 컴퍼니, 엘.피. 토너의 리필 모드에 따른 화상 형성 장치의 동작 제어
US11592780B2 (en) 2018-08-30 2023-02-28 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Combination cartridge
JP6670371B2 (ja) * 2018-12-26 2020-03-18 シャープ株式会社 画像形成装置
JP7532048B2 (ja) * 2019-03-15 2024-08-13 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置
WO2020189550A1 (fr) 2019-03-15 2020-09-24 キヤノン株式会社 Dispositif de formation d'image
JP7458828B2 (ja) * 2019-03-15 2024-04-01 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置
CN117761992A (zh) 2019-03-15 2024-03-26 佳能株式会社 成像设备
WO2020222816A1 (fr) * 2019-04-30 2020-11-05 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Affichage d'informations d'état actuel d'alimentation en colorant en réponse à l'ouverture d'une porte de dispositif d'impression
US11269266B2 (en) * 2019-08-05 2022-03-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and developer replenishment thereof
JP7379069B2 (ja) * 2019-10-11 2023-11-14 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置

Family Cites Families (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6026018Y2 (ja) * 1978-12-27 1985-08-05 コニカ株式会社 複写機等のクリ−ニング装置
JPS5922069A (ja) * 1982-07-29 1984-02-04 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 複写機のトナ−検知装置
GB2132942B (en) * 1982-09-30 1987-07-29 Canon Kk Detachable parts of image-forming apparatus
DE3343910A1 (de) * 1982-12-03 1984-06-07 Ricoh Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo Verfahren zum zufuehren einer tonermenge und tonerbehaelter zur durchfuehrung des verfahrens
US4626096A (en) * 1984-04-02 1986-12-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus for forming a visual image in accordance with image signals
DE3531775A1 (de) * 1984-09-10 1986-03-27 Sharp K.K., Osaka Fotokopiergeraet
JPS61166565A (ja) * 1985-01-18 1986-07-28 Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd トナ−補給部を備えた複写機
JPS6298374A (ja) 1985-10-24 1987-05-07 Ricoh Co Ltd 現像装置
US4833501A (en) * 1986-03-14 1989-05-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus and method for filling a toner reservoir by suction
DE3633599A1 (de) 1986-10-02 1988-04-07 Siemens Ag Vorrichtung zum einfuellen von toner aus einem transportbehaelter in einen tonervorratsbehaelter
DE3633593A1 (de) * 1986-10-02 1988-04-07 Siemens Ag Vorrichtung zum verschmutzungsfreien wechseln eines tonerbehaelters in einer tonerfoerdereinrichtung eines nichtmechanischen druck- oder kopiergeraetes
US4967234A (en) 1987-11-10 1990-10-30 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image forming apparatus
DE3921806A1 (de) * 1989-07-03 1991-01-10 S L Copiersysteme Gmbh Trockenkopiergeraet
JP2877928B2 (ja) 1990-09-12 1999-04-05 株式会社リコー 電子写真装置
JPH04182678A (ja) * 1990-11-19 1992-06-30 Tokyo Electric Co Ltd 画像形成装置
JPH0545955A (ja) * 1991-08-14 1993-02-26 Mita Ind Co Ltd 画像形成装置
JPH05188779A (ja) * 1992-01-10 1993-07-30 Ricoh Co Ltd 画像形成装置
JPH05204244A (ja) * 1992-01-23 1993-08-13 Ricoh Co Ltd 画像形成装置
JP3183733B2 (ja) * 1992-11-26 2001-07-09 株式会社リコー 画像形成装置の廃トナー検知装置
DE69427414T2 (de) * 1993-01-26 2002-04-18 Sharp K.K., Osaka Bilderzeugungsgerät
JPH06298374A (ja) * 1993-04-12 1994-10-25 Komatsu Ltd 材料移載システムにおける材料投下高さ位置制御装置
US5442427A (en) 1993-10-04 1995-08-15 Phoenix Precision Graphics, Inc. Concentrate stirring for continuous printing
JPH07261617A (ja) * 1994-03-18 1995-10-13 Canon Inc 画像形成装置
JPH07281571A (ja) * 1994-04-04 1995-10-27 Canon Inc 画像形成装置の廃トナー回収容器
US5710960A (en) * 1994-10-11 1998-01-20 Xerox Corporation Point of use toner filtration
JPH08152751A (ja) * 1994-11-29 1996-06-11 Ricoh Co Ltd 画像形成方法およびそれを用いた画像形成装置
DE19642570B4 (de) * 1996-10-15 2007-08-16 OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH Vorrichtungen zur Tonerzuführung
JP3285784B2 (ja) * 1996-12-20 2002-05-27 富士通株式会社 電子写真画像形成装置
JP3321728B2 (ja) * 1997-11-06 2002-09-09 京セラミタ株式会社 画像形成機のトナー補給装置およびこれに用いるトナーカートリッジ
US5857129A (en) * 1997-11-10 1999-01-05 Xerox Corporation Toner container with foolproof adaptor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE59706901D1 (de) 2002-05-08
EP0932855A1 (fr) 1999-08-04
US7054591B1 (en) 2006-05-30
WO1998016877A1 (fr) 1998-04-23
WO1998016876A1 (fr) 1998-04-23
DE19642570B4 (de) 2007-08-16
DE19642570A1 (de) 1998-04-30
DE59701897D1 (de) 2000-07-20
EP0932854B1 (fr) 2002-04-03
US6229975B1 (en) 2001-05-08
EP0932854A1 (fr) 1999-08-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0932855B1 (fr) Appareil electrophotographique avec dispositif d'alimentation en toner
EP0308431B1 (fr) Dispositif pour remplacer proprement un reservoir de toner dans un systeme de transfert de toner d'une imprimante ou d'un copieur non mecaniques
EP0311646B1 (fr) Reservoir de toner multifonction pour imprimantes et copieurs non mecaniques
DE69424457T2 (de) Tonerbehälter und Nachfüllvorrichtung
DE60100413T2 (de) Bilderzeugungsgerät mit leicht auswechselbarem Tonerbehälter und eine Tonerzuführpumpe
EP0221281B1 (fr) Dispositif pour purger un mélange de développement comprenant un composant magnétique d'une unité de développement d'une machine à imprimer non mécanique ou d'une machine à copier
DE69733974T2 (de) Bilderzeugungsgerät mit Tonerzufuhrvorrichtung
DE68915718T2 (de) Entwickler-Transporteinheit für ein Bilderzeugungsgerät.
EP0665966B1 (fr) Dispositif de transport pneumatique de toner pour une imprimante ou une photocopieuse electrographique
DE19800930A1 (de) Bilderzeugungseinrichtung und Tonernachfüllvorrichtung hierfür
DE3707869C2 (fr)
DE10223232B4 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Fördern von Tonermaterial aus einem Vorratsbehälter sowie zugehöriger Tonervorratsbehälter
DE69513229T2 (de) Reinigungsgerät mit Kontaminationsabdichtung
EP0238939B1 (fr) Dispositif pour transvaser du toner d'un récipient de transport dans un réservoir de distribution de toner
DE19923898A1 (de) Tonerversorgungseinrichtung und -verfahren sowie Bilderzeugunsvorrichtung und -verfahren
DE3116870C1 (de) Vorrichtung zum Einfuellen von Toner aus einem Behaelter in einen Vorratsbehaelter
DE69820131T2 (de) Selbstreinigendes Aufzeichnungsmaterialspendersystem
DE3722917C2 (fr)
EP2108137A1 (fr) Procede et dispositif pour transporter du toner de preference dans une imprimante ou une copieuse electrophotographiques
DE19542794B4 (de) Toner-Wiedergewinnungseinrichtung für eine elektrofotografische Vorrichtung und Toner-Wiedergewinnungsfilter für die Toner-Wiedergewinnungseinrichtung
DE19520340C2 (de) Entwicklungsvorrichtung für eine Bilderzeugungseinrichtung und Tonerbehälter hierfür
EP0332669B1 (fr) Dispositif de remplissage pneumatique d'un reservoir de colorant avec un colorant provenant d'un recipient de transport
DE4411406C1 (de) Pneumatische Tonerfördereinrichtung für ein elektrografisches Druck- oder Kopiergerät
DE3921806C2 (fr)
DE3943586C2 (de) Entwicklungseinheit mit Tonerpatrone für eine Bilderzeugungseinrichtung

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19990317

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19990813

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59701897

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20000720

ET Fr: translation filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20000824

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20071026

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20071025

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20071019

Year of fee payment: 11

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *OCE PRINTING SYSTEMS G.M.B.H.

Effective date: 20081031

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20081230

Year of fee payment: 12

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20081015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081015

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100501