JP2002293301A - Method and device for filling fine powder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and device by which a gas is uniformly led into a powder, thereby obtaining a fluidized state of the powder in which the powder is controlled with the smallest amount of gas, by which the fluidized powder is caused to flow into a filling container of a small diameter or into the back or bottom of the filling container of a complicated shape, and by which the device can be miniaturized and carried, is made easy to operate, can degas from the powder after filling and is capable of highly densely filling the powder without including dust. SOLUTION: Powder-gas separation sieves, which allow passage of the gas but do not allow passage of the powder, are respectively provided in an air inlet opening in the upstream section of a stored-powder fluidization means and in a gas outlet opening in the downstream section of a filling nozzle. The fluidized powder is sealed in a space between the stored-powder fluidizing means and the filling container. The area of a gas outlet opening 12 of the stored-powder fluidizing means is made 1.002 times or larger than the area of the air outlet opening 16 of the filling nozzle. Thus, the current velocity of the gas in the gas outlet opening is made greater than the current velocity of the gas in the gas discharge opening. Accordingly, the fluidized powder is naturally discharged from the stored-powder fluidization means, via a fluidized-powder path and the filling nozzle, into the filling container.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for filling fine powder such as toner for developing an electrostatic latent image having a size of 20 microns or less into a small-diameter container or a small-capacity container, or a conventional filling method using gravity. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for directly filling dry toner into a toner cartridge in a copying machine or a developing unit of a copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a powder filling machine, there are a rotary valve, a screw feeder, an auger-type filling machine, and the like. A method of placing a powder receiving container directly under the filling machine, increasing the bulk density of the powder in the filling machine, and filling the cut powder into these containers by gravity is a method of filling a fixed volume. This is a common method for efficiently filling a container with powder. Also, after gas is introduced into the powder in the powder feeder to increase the fluidity, the powder is transported from the powder feeder to the vicinity of the receiving container by a dependent pipe, and degassed from the powder in the transport pipe by a degassing pipe. After that, a method of receiving this and filling the container with high density (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-193902) has been proposed.

[0003] However, these systems have to be provided with a deaeration pipe accurately provided coaxially with the filling pipe, which is difficult to manufacture, and is heavy in weight and difficult to carry. It is effective when the filling diameter of the filling container is large and the filling container is located directly below the filling machine.However, in the case of a small-diameter filling container or a filling container having various structures inside, the filling machine or the transport pipe is separated. There is a problem that the powder is not easily replaced by the air inside the container, the powder is blown up from the filling port or the structure in the container hinders the movement of the powder, and the desired amount cannot be filled.

[0004] Further, when an attempt is made to directly supply toner used in a copying machine or a printer to a toner bottle or a developing unit of a machine in a general office where the machine is installed,
Even if dust is flying, or even if it can be replenished, if it is filled in a low-density state with a lot of air, or if it is directly put into a complicated developing section, the part where toner enters and the part where it does not enter However, a problem in image formation has occurred.

[0005] Therefore, we first described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-71.
No. 152, "in the method of filling powder into a container, the tip of a filling nozzle which is inserted into a powder filling container and discharges and charges powder fluidized by a gas into the container is provided in the container. A method of filling the powder, characterized in that the powder is filled in the container while being surrounded by the powder that is retained in the container; and Filling nozzle inserted at a position where the discharge tip is surrounded by the powder, gas introduction means for fluidizing the powder, and a transfer path for fluidizing the powder to the filling nozzle, which can be sealed. Powder filling device, which is provided in a powder storage device for use ". As a result of further study on the powder filling technology, especially focusing on the relationship between the gas introduction and discharge modes for powder fluidization and the filling efficiency, the fluid viscosity, friction with the inner wall of the apparatus have been recently investigated. In consideration of the head pressure loss due to fluid volume change, etc., effective behavior control until gas is introduced and discharged, effective flow rate and flow rate control method, and therefore, powder is fluidized Less runaway in the filling system due to
A more efficient powder filling technology has been developed.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of introducing a gas uniformly into a powder and obtaining a controlled flow state of the powder with a minimum amount of gas in view of the above prior art. The flowing powder flows into the inner or bottom of a small-diameter or complicated-shaped filling container, is small and portable, easy to operate, and has a powder layer between the filling nozzle and the container opening inside the container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus which can be degassed from powder after filling and can be easily filled with high density and no dust. Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact, portable, and easy-to-operate filling machine so that anyone can fill powder such as toner in any place without any work contamination.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide (1) a hermetically sealable container-like storage powder having a gas introduction opening for introducing a gas for fluidizing powder at an upstream portion. Body fluidizing means, a filling nozzle having a gas discharge opening for discharging the gas at a downstream portion, and connecting the stored powder fluidizing means and the filling nozzle to form a path for the fluidized powder to be discharged. The filling nozzle is a method for filling fine powder using a powder filling means capable of closing the mouth of a filling container, wherein a gas introduction opening upstream of the stored powder fluidizing means and a filling nozzle By providing a powder-gas separation sieve that allows gas to pass through but does not allow powder to pass through the gas discharge opening at the downstream part, the fluidized powder can be used as the stored powder fluidizing device and for filling. The container is sealed between the containers, and the gas discharge opening of the stored powder fluidizer is opened. By setting the area to be 1.002 times or more the opening area of the gas discharge opening of the filling nozzle, the gas flow rate of the gas discharge opening is made higher than the gas flow rate of the gas discharge opening, Fluidized powder is spontaneously discharged from the storage powder fluidizer through the fluidized powder path and the filling nozzle to the filling container, thereby achieving a fine powder filling method. You.

The object of the present invention is to provide (2) the method of the present invention, wherein after the powder in the hermetically sealable container-like stored powder fluidizing means for storing the filling powder and gas is fluidized by gas. ,
Discharging the fluidized powder from the storage powder fluidizing means to the filling nozzle via the path, to achieve the fine powder filling method according to the above mode (1). Is done.

[0009] The object of the present invention is also described in (3) of the present invention, wherein the powder is fluidized by introducing an additional gas into the stored powder fluidizing means. )).

[0010] The object of the present invention is also described in (4) of the present invention, wherein the powder is fluidized by the gas by vibrating the stored powder fluidizing means. ) Or the method for finely filling powder according to the item (2) ”.

[0011] The object of the present invention is also achieved in (5) of the present invention, wherein the discharging of the powder from the powder fluidizing means to the filling nozzle is performed by increasing the pressure in the powder fluidizing means. The filling method according to any one of the above items (2) to (4). "

[0012] The object of the present invention is also described in (6) of the present invention, wherein the discharge of the powder from the powder fluidizing means to the filling nozzle is performed by applying an external pressure to the powder fluidizing means. The filling method according to any one of the above items (2) to (5), which is performed by reducing the internal volume of the fluidizing means.

The above object is also achieved by (7) the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizing means is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the introduced gas, and the discharge powder in the discharge path of the fluidized powder. The flow rate of the fluidized powder is controlled by controlling the opening / closing degree of the introduction gas control valve and / or the discharge powder flow rate control valve. The charging method according to any one of the above items (2) to (6), wherein the filling is controlled by adjusting the degree of opening and closing.

[0014] The object of the present invention is also described in (8) of the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizing means further has a pressure release valve that can be fully opened and fully closed, and the start and end of discharge of the fluidized powder can be determined. This is achieved by the filling method according to the above mode (7), characterized in that the charging is quickly performed by opening and closing the pressure release valve.

The object of the present invention is also described in (9) of the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizing means further includes a gas introducing means for fluidizing the powder, and the gas introducing means converts the gas into the powder. The filling method according to any one of the above items (2) to (8), wherein the pressure container is housed in a body fluidizing means so as to be able to be sent out.

The object of the present invention is also described in (10) of the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizing means further has a gas introducing means for fluidizing the powder, and the gas introducing means has a check valve. The charging method according to any one of the above items (2) to (8), "which is the air supply pump described above.

The object of the present invention is also described in (11) of the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizing means further includes a gas between the powder fluidizing means and the gas introducing means for fluidizing the powder. (7) The charging method according to any one of the above (7) to (10), further comprising a gas distribution means for uniformly introducing the gas into the container.

The object of the present invention is also described in (12) of the present invention, wherein the (powder) is a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image having an average volume particle diameter of 0.2 μm to 20 μm. Or the filling method according to any one of the items (11) to (11).

The object of the present invention is to provide (13) a sealable powder storage fluidizer having a gas inlet opening for introducing a gas for fluidizing powder at an upstream portion thereof. A filling nozzle having a gas discharge opening at a downstream portion from which gas is discharged, and a path of fluidized powder for connecting the filled powder fluidizing device and the filled nozzle, wherein the filled nozzle is provided in a filling container. A fine powder filling device capable of closing the mouth, wherein a gas introduction opening upstream of the storage powder fluidization device and a gas discharge opening downstream of the filling nozzle both allow gas to pass, but powder pass through. By providing a powder-gas separation sieve that does not allow the fluidized powder to be sealed between the stored powder fluidizer and the filling container, the gas discharge opening of the stored powder fluidizer has an opening area of 1.0 of the opening area of the gas discharge opening of the filling nozzle By being twice or more, the flow velocity of the gas at the gas discharge opening is made higher than the flow velocity of the gas at the gas discharge opening, and the fluidized powder is removed from the stored powder fluidizer by the fluidized powder. , And is naturally discharged into the filling container via the filling path and the filling nozzle.

[0020] The above object is also achieved by (14) the present invention, wherein after the powder is fluidized by gas in the hermetically sealed container-like stored powder fluidizer for storing powder and gas for filling. Discharging the fluidized powder from the storage powder fluidizing device to the filling nozzle via the path, to achieve the fine powder filling device according to the above mode (13). Is done.

The object of the present invention is also described in (15) of the present invention, wherein the fluidization of the powder is performed by introducing an additional gas into the fluidized storage device. )).

[0022] The object of the present invention is also described in (16) of the present invention, wherein the powder is fluidized by the gas by vibrating the stored powder fluidizer. ) Or (15).

The object of the present invention is also achieved in (17) of the present invention, wherein the discharging of the powder from the powder fluidizing device to the filling nozzle is performed by increasing the pressure in the powder fluidizing device. The fine powder filling device according to any one of the above items (14) to (16), "
Is achieved by

The object of the present invention is also described in (18) of the present invention, wherein the discharge of the powder from the powder fluidizing device to the filling nozzle is performed by applying an external pressure to the powder fluidizing means. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the above (14) to (17), which is performed by reducing the internal volume of the fluidization apparatus.

[0025] The above object is also achieved by (19) the present invention relates to "the powder fluidizing device, wherein the introduced gas control valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the introduced gas, and the discharge powder in the discharge path of the fluidized powder. The flow rate of the fluidized powder is controlled by controlling the opening / closing degree of the introduction gas control valve and / or the discharge powder flow rate control valve. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the above (14) to (18), wherein the fine powder filling apparatus is controlled by adjusting the opening / closing degree of the fine powder.

[0026] The object of the present invention is also described in (20) of the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizer further has a pressure release valve that can be fully opened and fully closed, and the start and end of discharge of the fluidized powder can be determined. This is achieved by the fine powder filling apparatus according to the above mode (19), wherein the operation is performed promptly by opening and closing the pressure release valve.

[0027] The object of the present invention is also described in (21) of the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizing apparatus further includes gas introducing means for fluidizing the powder, and the gas introducing means converts the gas into the powder. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the above (14) to (20), wherein the pressure vessel is a pressure vessel housed in a body fluidizing device so as to be able to be sent out.

The above object is also achieved by the present invention as defined in (22) of the present invention, wherein the powder fluidizing device further comprises gas introducing means for fluidizing the powder, wherein the gas introducing means has a check valve. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the above items (14) to (20), "

[0029] The above object is also achieved in (23) of the present invention in that the above-mentioned powder fluidizing device further comprises a gas introduced into the powder fluidizing device between the powder fluidizing device and the gas introducing means. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the above (14) to (22), further comprising a gas distribution means for uniformly introducing the fine powder into the powder.

The object of the present invention is also described in (24) of the present invention, wherein the powder is a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image having an average volume particle diameter of 0.2 μm to 20 μm.
Item to the fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the items (23) to (23) ".

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. It is well known that fluidizing powders and pneumatically transporting them by, for example, pipes is possible by mixing gas and powder. However, merely discharging a fluidized powder having a diameter of 20 μm or less, particularly an ultrafine powder such as a toner having a diameter of 10 μm or less into, for example, a container may result in a powder (dust).
Insufficient prevention of scattering and deaeration after filling, and large-scale equipment in the factory can be implemented with additional dust control and deaeration equipment. is not. Ultrafine powders such as toners usually have secondary agglomeration in many cases because the surface area ratio to the volume is extremely large. Irrespective of the specific gravity of the agglomerated material before the formation, only the surface state is mainly reflected and continues Brownian motion in the gas, so it accompanies when ultrafine powder such as toner is pneumatically transported. It has been known from experience that it generally takes a tremendous amount of time to separate ultrafine powder from gas by natural sedimentation.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a fine powder filling system according to the present invention for explanation. In this fine powder filling system, the fine powder is filled with a powder-gas separation sieve (a) provided upstream of the powder fluidization device (A) during the filling operation;
It can exist only between the powder-gas separation sieve (b) provided downstream of the filling container (B), and is a separation sieve (a) or (b).
Can not get out of the system. However, in the present invention, the separation sieve (b) is not provided in the filling container (B) but is provided in the filling nozzle.

The opening area (S ₁ ) of the portion of the separation sieve (a) relative to the opening area (S ₂ ) of the portion of the separation sieve (b)
Is large, the flow velocity of the gas can be made larger at the location of the opening area (S ₂ ) than at the location of the opening area (S ₁ ), depending on the degree of the ratio. This means that even if the gas flow velocity at the point (S ₁ ) is small, a flow velocity that can quickly discharge the powder fluidized by the gas to the filling container (B) is obtained. This is inevitably due to the recent increase in demand for downsizing, weight reduction and high performance of OA equipment, inevitably reducing the filling container and filling opening for toner and developer, that is, the opening area (S ₂ ). This is particularly advantageous in situations where it must be suppressed. In addition, the rapid discharge of the fluidized powder to the filling container (B) according to the present invention is performed by a path on the way connecting the powder fluidizing device (A) and the filling container (B). ,
It does not change whether the route is a sufficiently thick middle route (C ₁ ) as shown by the dotted line or a sufficiently thin middle route (C ₂ ) as shown by the one-dot chain line.

Therefore, the separation sieve (a) in the present invention
When the opening area (S ₁ ) is larger than the opening area (S ₂ ), the inflowing gas for fluidizing the powder into the portion (a) theoretically has the discharge pressure at the separation sieve (b) portion, that is, 1 atm. In this case, it is sufficient that the pressure is made to flow at a slightly higher pressure, but in practice, head pressure loss may occur due to fluid viscosity in the filling system, friction with the inner wall of the apparatus, and decrease in fluid volume.

In the present invention, the degree of pressurization of the inflow gas for fluidizing the powder may be slightly higher than the normal pressure as described above. In some cases, the capturing effect due to the fine powder cloud is impaired. Although it depends on the amount of the fine powder cloud staying in the container and the filling mode of the fluidized fine powder, in general, the degree of pressurization (a urethane tube having a length of 3.5 m or less as a powder discharge path is used). 2) 1500 gauge hectare pa / cm
² , preferably 3 to 800 gauge hectares pa / cm ² , more preferably 10 to 500 gauge hectares pa / cm ² . At a pressure of less than 2 gauge hectares pa / cm ² , it takes a long time to fill.

Further, in the present invention, the separation sieve (a)
And the separation sieve (b) is a powder intended for the same fine powder.
Since it is a gas separation sieve, there is no need to change the material. Examples of the separation sieve (vent plate) in the present invention include a sintered metal plate, a metal mesh, and a sintered resin panel.

Among such sieve materials, selection of the sieve material is important, and particularly for fine powder such as toner.
It is also difficult to select a sieve material that satisfies all requirements such that uniform and uniform ventilation is possible, does not cause clogging for a long period of time, and can be blown at a relatively low pressure. In the present invention, the best results were obtained when a panel made of a sintered resin (trade name: Filterlen) was sandwiched between an acrylic cylinder and a lower flange as a separation sieve (aerated porous plate). The case where a sintered resin plate (trade name: Filterlen) is used to maintain a homogeneous and stable flow state of the powder will be described below. There are also Gore-Tex and sintered metal plates as the perforated porous plate, and one of the reasons is that the air flow from the sintered resin plate filter is most uniform.

In the present invention, the degree of introduction of the gas into the filling powder in the sealable filling fluidization device (powder cutting device) is adjusted by an introduction gas control valve, and the filling powder is controlled. Adjust the pressure inside the body fluidizer (powder cutting device),
It is preferable that the powder is discharged out of the filling powder fluidizing apparatus and then filled in a container after the fluid is uniformly fluidized by means for controlling and uniformly introducing the gas. By means of this uniform introduction of gas, air can be gently introduced into the filling powder fluidizer to achieve the required minimum fluidization, thus minimizing the powder, for example, Brownian motion.
Since the powder has high fluidity after fluidization, the powder can be discharged out of the filling powder fluidizer only by slightly increasing the pressure in the powder fluidizer for filling from the external pressure. Pneumatic transport to the tip of the filling nozzle smoothly through the discharge, transfer and transfer paths, and filling can be performed in the filling container without extra stirring.

When fluidizing the powder with gas, it is important not only to use the gas of the filling powder fluidization device but also to introduce the gas uniformly when introducing the gas from outside the device. For this purpose, it is particularly preferable to introduce the gas through a gas distribution means such as a fine wire mesh which does not cause a head pressure loss so intensely. The control of the start and end of discharging the fluidized powder and filling the container can be performed by quickly adjusting the pressure in the filling powder fluidizing device. It can be performed by a pressure release valve provided in the powder fluidization device, and can be assisted by an external pressurizing means or the like. In addition, a separately provided powder flow rate adjusting valve suitable for fine pressure adjustment can change the pressure in the powder fluidizing device for filling and / or the powder discharge path during the powder filling operation, It is also possible to perform fine pressure adjustment to change the outflow state of the powder between the beginning and the middle of the powder filling operation, for example.

Further, according to the present invention, after the powder and gas are sealed and the sealed powder storage device is fluidized by rocking, the inside of the powder storage device can be pressurized. Pressurization in the device can be performed by reducing the internal volume of the filling powder storage device by external pressure, for example, crushing to reduce the internal volume, and discharging the powder outside the device. Pneumatic transportation to the tip of the filling nozzle and filling in the filling container. According to this method, a device for fluidizing the powder is unnecessary or at least miniaturized, and a means for discharging the powder can be omitted as much as possible. The filling powder storage device may have a size and weight that can be shaken by hand, and a size and weight that can be easily vibrated or rocked by the power of a pump for introducing pressurized air. You may. The powder storage device for filling is downsized,
If the required amount is weighed in advance, it can also be used as a single-use type simple filling machine.

[0041]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Example 1 of Apparatus] FIG. 2 shows an outline of an example of the apparatus of the present invention. Powder filling device of this example (1)
Is a sealable (usually closed) powder fluidizer for filling (1
0), a gas powder separation sieve (2) which is detachably connected to a lower portion of the powder fluidization device (10) by a flange so as to be attached and detached and serves as an air-permeable porous plate for forming a fluidized bed of powder. ) (Sintered metal plate, sintered resin plate, fine wire mesh, etc.) are removably housed, and compressed air piping (7) and compressed air piping as ventilation pipes provided with an introduction gas control valve (20) (7) an air header (3) as a gas introduction means fitted in a detachable manner, a powder inlet (11) with a closing valve, a pressure release valve (13) for releasing and sealing internal pressure, Powder flow rate control valve (15) for fine adjustment of pressure, pressure gauge (14) for checking pressure inside powder fluidizer (10), fluidized powder transport pipe connected to powder outlet pipe (24) (12) A powder filler removably connected to the end of the polyurethane tube. Consists use a nozzle (17), the base of the powder filling nozzle (17) is enough to fit the mouth of the powder container for powder filling (18) the size of,
In this example, a gas-powder separating sieve (16) having a shape wound around a soft packing (19) made of a frusto-conical polypropylene ring is provided.

The air header (3) is slightly pressure-resistant so that the pressure inside the filling powder fluidizer (10) can be increased, and the air header (3) has a third pressure gauge ( p3) is provided. A first pressure reducing valve (25) and a second pressure reducing valve (25) are sequentially connected to a compressed air pipe (7) connected to the air header (3).
A pressure reducing valve (26) and an air flow meter (27) are provided.
A first pressure gauge (p1) is provided between the pressure reducing valve (25) and the second pressure reducing valve (26), and the second pressure reducing valve (26) and the air flow meter (2).
A second pressure gauge (p2) is provided between 7). In addition, as the powder filling container (18) in the powder filling device of this example, a container such as a transparent resin toner container can be preferably used.

In the apparatus of this embodiment, the powder to be filled is charged into the powder fluidizing device (10) for filling from the powder inlet (11) with a shut-off valve, and the internal pressure is released and sealed. Pressure relief valve (13) is opened. on the other hand,
The operation of the powder flow rate control valve (15) for fine pressure adjustment may be automated by human power or an electromagnetic valve. Thereafter, the pressure release valve (13) of the powder inlet (4) is closed, and gas is introduced from the ventilation pipe (7) into the air header (3) which is a pressurized air reservoir as gas introduction means. The inflow of this gas may be adjusted by a first pressure reducing valve (25) and a second pressure reducing valve (26) for pressure adjustment and flow rate adjustment, and the inflow is continued during operation of the apparatus.

The introduced gas is uniformly dispersed in the powder by the gas-permeable porous plate (2) to fluidize the powder. The tip of a filling pipe (17) as a filling nozzle connected to a powder discharge / transport conduit (12) provided with a slant or a partial projection so that the tip does not adhere to the bottom surface of the powder container is connected to the powder filling container (18). ), And the pressure release valve (13) is closed, the powder is filled with the pressure of the gas used for fluidization of the powder (1).
0) from the inside of the powder filling container (18), which is extruded into the powder transport pipe (12) from the inside and the tip is inserted from the tip of a tubular filling nozzle (17) inserted into the inside of the powder filling container (18). Is discharged.

In the apparatus of this example, at the beginning of the filling, especially when the inside of the powder filling container (18) is completely empty, the powder of the powder fluidizing device (10) is first charged. The degree of opening and closing of the body flow rate control valve (15) is adjusted so that the speed of discharging the powder from the filling fluidizing device (10) is reduced, and the container for filling the filled fluid powder is filled with powder. (18) Avoid the ablation and diffusion inside, and the amount of the fine powder cloud remaining in the container (18) is almost equal to the fluidized powder flow discharged from the tip of the tubular filling nozzle (17). After increasing to the extent that it can be surrounded, the powder flow control valve (15) can be opened further and the filling operation can be continued.

The filling tube (17) is a container for powder filling (18)
May be automatically or manually inserted into the powder filling container (18) after the setting of the powder filling container (18). Then, the pressure release valve (1
By opening 3), the internal pressure inside the powder fluidizing device for filling (10), which has become a transport force, disappears, and the discharge of powder can be stopped.

In order to quickly increase the internal pressure of the powder fluidizer for filling (10), which is the driving force for powder transport, the powder fluidizer for filling (10) has a compressed air inlet for fluidization. Alternatively, another compressed air inlet may be provided at a position higher than the powder surface of the fluidized powder. Container for powder filling (1
8) The tubular filling nozzle (17) in the inside can be a simple pipe, or a part of the outer wall as a double pipe as shown in the figure can be a vented structure with a fine metal screen or sintered plastic plate of 3000 mesh or more. By reducing the pressure between the inner and outer walls by the air injection effect,
The gas in the filled powder may be extracted through the ventilation structure of the outer wall of the double pipe to further increase the powder density.

[Example 2 of Apparatus] FIG. 3 shows an outline of another example of the apparatus of the present invention. Powder filling device of this example (1)
In the above, the powder fluidizing device for filling (10) made of a flexible material such as a soft plastic is attached to a lower portion of the powder fluidizing device for filling (10) by a flange so as to be detachable and detachable. Perforated air-permeable plate (2) (sintered metal plate, sintered resin plate, fine mesh, etc.) for forming a fluidized bed of the body is detachably housed, and compressed air as ventilation tube (7) An air header (3) as a gas introduction means into which a pipe and a ventilation pipe (7) are detachably fitted and detached, an inlet (11) for powder with a closing valve, a pressure release valve for releasing and sealing internal pressure. (13) a powder flow rate control valve (15) for fine pressure adjustment, a stainless steel pipe as a fluidized powder outlet pipe (24), and a discharge path (transfer path) of the fluidized powder to the filling nozzle (17) ) (12) Urethane tube detachably connected The base of a stainless steel filling nozzle (17) removably connected to the discharge path (12) (urethane tube) is detachably connected to the mouth of a powder container (18) for powder filling. A gas powder separation sieve (16) of a size, in this example wound around a soft packing (19) consisting of a frustoconical polypropylene ring (19)
Is provided.

However, unlike the apparatus of Example 1, the gas introduction means has a bellows structure having a check valve (8) at the gas outlet and having a small motor (5) to expand and contract to send air to the air header (3). It has a pump (6). The pump (6) is detachably fixed in the holding frame (9). When the pump (6) expands and contracts by the small electric motor (5), the holding frame (9)
The powder fluidizing device for filling (10) is vibrated through the, and the powder in the fluidizing device for filling fluid (10) is fluidized by gas by the vibration.

In the apparatus of this example, neither the powder fluidizing apparatus for filling (10) nor the air header (3) needs to be made of a thick material peculiar to the pressurized container. The power line plug (21) for the small electric motor (5) can be operated simply by plugging it into, for example, an outlet provided in the copying machine.

[Example 3 of Apparatus] Further, in the present invention,
Filled with gas together with powder, the container is made of a soft plastic such as polyethylene which is easily deformed by human power in a closed container with one pipe connection port, and deforms the plastic container by applying external pressure, The internal pressure may be increased to obtain a urethane tube or the like connected to the pipe connection port, and the powder may be guided to the bottom of the filling container. Alternatively, at least two pipe connection ports are provided in a container of hard plastic or the like that does not deform, one of which is connected to compressed air of 0.2 Mpa or less, and the other is a powder transport tube and the powder is passed through the tube. It may be guided to the bottom. As the source of the compressed air, a manual compressor, for example, a bicycle inflator can be used in place of the usual compressor.

As described above, in the present invention, the opening area of the gas discharge opening (2) as the gas-permeable porous plate of the stored powder fluidizing device (10) is set to be equal to the gas-permeable porous plate of the filling nozzle (17). 1.0 of the opening area of the gas discharge opening (16)
By making it 02 times or more, the gas discharge opening (16)
The flow velocity of the gas is higher than the flow velocity of the gas at the gas discharge opening (2), and the fluidized powder is filled from the storage powder fluidizer through the fluidized powder path and the filling nozzle. It can be discharged into a container for water in a state close to natural outflow.
Of course, as described above, the discharging of the powder from the powder fluidization device (10) to the filling nozzle (17) may be performed by increasing the pressure in the powder fluidization device (10). Alternatively, this may be performed by applying external pressure to the powder fluidization device (10) to reduce the internal volume of the powder fluidization device (10).

According to the present invention, as described above, the powder to be filled has an average volume particle size of 0.2 μm to 20 μm.
This is particularly effective when the toner is a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image of μm.

[0054]

As is apparent from the detailed and specific explanations above, according to the present invention, a gas is uniformly introduced into a powder to obtain a controlled flow state of the powder with a minimum gas amount. Fluid powder flows into the back or bottom of a small-diameter filling container or a complicated-shaped filling container, and is degassed from the filled powder by a gas-powder separation sieve provided at the filling nozzle inside the container. An excellent effect that it can provide a method that can be filled with high density and no dust, and can provide a compact, portable and easy-to-operate filling machine so that anyone can fill in any place. Is played.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified view of a fine powder filling system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a powder filling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing another example of the powder filling apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Powder filling apparatus 2 Gas-powder separation sieve (porous perforated plate) 3 Air header 4 Powder input port 5 Small electric motor (motor) 6 Pump 7 Compressed air piping 8 Check valve 9 Holding frame 10 Powder flow for filling 11 Powder input port 12 Fluid powder transport pipe (discharge / transfer path) 13 Pressure release valve 14 Pressure gauge 15 Powder flow rate control valve 16 Gas-powder separation sieve (aerated porous plate) 17 Filling nozzle 18 Powder container 19 Soft packing 20 Introduced gas control valve 21 Power line plug 24 Powder outlet pipe 25 First pressure reducing valve 26 Second pressure reducing valve 27 Air flow meter A Powder fluidizer a Powder-gas separation sieve B Filling use container b powder - gas separating sieve C ₁ intermediate path C ₂ intermediate path p1 first pressure gauge p2 second pressure gauge p3 third pressure gauge S ₁ opening area S ₂ opening area

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A sealable container-like storage powder fluidizing means having an upstream gas introduction opening for introducing a gas for fluidizing powder, and a gas discharge opening for discharging the gas. Nozzle at the downstream portion, and a path for fluidized powder to be discharged by connecting the stored powder fluidizing means and the filling nozzle, and the filling nozzle can seal the opening of the filling container. A method for filling fine powder using powder filling means, wherein gas is passed through both a gas introduction opening upstream of the stored powder fluidization means and a gas discharge opening downstream of the filling nozzle. By providing a powder-gas separation sieve through which the powder does not pass, the fluidized powder is sealed between the storage powder fluidization device and the filling container, and the gas of the storage powder fluidization device is sealed. Change the opening area of the discharge opening to the opening of the gas discharge opening of the filling nozzle. By setting the opening area to be 1.002 times or more, the flow velocity of the gas at the gas discharge opening is made higher than the flow velocity of the gas at the gas discharge opening, and the fluidized powder is stored in the storage powder fluidizing device. Characterized in that the powder is spontaneously discharged into the filling container through a fluidized powder path and a filling nozzle. 2. After the powder in the hermetically sealable container-like stored powder fluidizing means for storing a filling powder and a gas is fluidized by a gas, the fluidized powder is stored in the container. The method for filling fine powder according to claim 1, wherein the powder is discharged from the powder fluidizing means to the filling nozzle via the path. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the fluidization of the powder is performed by introducing an additional gas into the fluidizing means. 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the powder is fluidized by the gas by vibrating the stored powder fluidizing means. 5. The discharge of the powder from the powder fluidizing means to the filling nozzle is performed by increasing the pressure in the powder fluidizing means. The method for filling a fine powder according to any one of the above. 6. The discharging of the powder from the powder fluidizing means to the filling nozzle includes applying an external pressure to the powder fluidizing means to reduce the internal volume of the powder fluidizing means. The method for filling fine powder according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the method is performed. 7. An introduction gas control valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the introduced gas, and a discharge powder flow rate control capable of adjusting the flow rate of the discharge powder in the discharge path of the fluidized powder. And a discharge amount and a discharge degree of the fluidized powder are controlled by adjusting an opening / closing degree of the introduction gas control valve and / or an opening / closing degree of the discharge powder flow rate control valve. The method for filling fine powder according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: 8. The powder fluidizing means further includes a pressure release valve which can be fully opened and fully closed, and the discharge and start of the fluidized powder can be quickly started and closed by opening and closing the pressure relief valve. The method for filling fine powder according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The powder fluidizing means further includes gas introducing means for fluidizing the powder, wherein the gas introducing means comprises:
9. A pressure vessel for accommodating gas so as to be able to be sent to said powder fluidization means.
The method for filling fine powder according to the above. 10. The powder fluidizing means further includes a gas introducing means for fluidizing the powder, and the gas introducing means is an air supply pump with a check valve. A method for filling a fine powder according to any one of claims 2 to 8. 11. The powder fluidizing means further includes a gas distribution means for uniformly introducing a gas into the powder fluidizing means between the powder fluidizing means and the gas fluidizing means. The method for filling a fine powder according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the method comprises: 12. The powder has an average volume particle size of 0.2 μm.
The method for filling fine powder according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the toner is a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image having a size of from 20 to 20 µm. 13. A sealable storage powder fluidizing device having an upstream gas introducing opening through which a gas for fluidizing powder is introduced, and a downstream gas discharging opening through which the gas is discharged. A fine powder filling device, comprising: a filling nozzle having a filling section; and a fluidized powder path connecting the storage powder fluidizing device and the filling nozzle, wherein the filling nozzle is capable of sealing a mouth of a filling container. The gas introduction opening upstream of the storage powder fluidization device and the gas discharge opening downstream of the filling nozzle are both provided with a powder-gas separation sieve that allows gas to pass through but does not allow powder to pass through. Enclosing the fluidized powder between the storage powder fluidizer and the filling container, wherein the opening area of the gas discharge opening of the storage powder fluidizer is the opening area of the gas discharge opening of the filling nozzle. 1.002 times or more of The flow velocity of the gas at the discharge opening is made higher than the flow velocity of the gas at the gas discharge opening, and the fluidized powder flows from the storage powder fluidizer through the fluidized powder path and the filling nozzle. A fine powder filling apparatus characterized by being naturally discharged into a filling container. 14. The powder in the hermetically sealable container-like powder fluidizing device for storing a filling powder and a gas is fluidized by a gas, and then the fluidized powder is stored in the container. 14. The fine powder filling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the powder is discharged from the powder fluidizing apparatus to the filling nozzle via the path. 15. The fine powder filling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the powder is fluidized by introducing an additional gas into the stored powder fluidizing apparatus. 16. The fine powder filling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the powder is fluidized by the gas by vibrating the stored powder fluidizing apparatus. . 17. The discharge of the powder from the powder fluidization device to the filling nozzle is performed by increasing the pressure in the powder fluidization device. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the above. 18. The discharge of the powder from the powder fluidization device to the filling nozzle may include applying an external pressure to the powder fluidization means to reduce the internal volume of the powder fluidization device. 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein:
The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of the above. 19. An introduction gas control valve capable of adjusting a flow rate of an introduction gas, and a discharge powder flow rate control capable of adjusting a flow rate of a discharge powder in a discharge path of the fluidization powder. And a discharge amount and a discharge degree of the fluidized powder,
19. The fine powder filling according to claim 14, which is controlled by adjusting the opening / closing degree of the introduction gas control valve and / or adjusting the opening / closing degree of the discharge powder flow rate control valve. apparatus. 20. The powder fluidizing device further includes a pressure release valve that can be fully opened and fully closed, and the start and end of discharge of the fluidized powder are quickly performed by opening and closing the pressure relief valve. 20. The fine powder filling apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: 21. The powder fluidization device further includes a gas introduction unit for fluidizing the powder, and the gas introduction unit is configured to store a gas in the powder fluidization device such that the gas can be delivered to the powder fluidization device. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the apparatus is a container. 22. The powder fluidizing device further comprises gas introduction means for fluidizing the powder, wherein the gas introduction means is an air supply pump with a check valve. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20. 23. The powder fluidization device further includes a gas distribution unit for uniformly introducing gas into the powder fluidization device between the powder fluidization device and the gas fluidization device. The fine powder filling apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, comprising: 24. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the powder has an average volume particle size of 0.2 μm.
24. The fine powder filling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the toner is a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image having a size of 20 to 20 [mu] m.