JP2003221003A - Method and device for filling fine powder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device whereby surroundings are hardly fouled without degrading the various physical properties and blend properties of toner, automation and handling are facilitated, and toner stored in a large container is caused to flow and is speedily and accurately distributed into a small container, wherein a required quantity of toner is filled into a small toner container safely without exerting extra stress on the toner used for the development of an electrostatic latent image and without soiling a working environment and workers. <P>SOLUTION: The toner filling device transfers fine powder in the large container to a measuring tank and then fills it to the small toner container from the measuring tank. In the toner filling device, a means for restricting a quantity of fine powder that is filled is disposed in a discharging opening provided for toner which is filled. The means opens or closes the discharging opening and puts into the small toner container only a specific quantity of all the quantity of toner transferred in the measuring tank. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling a desired amount of powder toner for developing an electrostatic latent image having a fine average particle size of micron unit from a large container to a small toner container without excess or deficiency. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for rapidly filling a desired amount of toner into a small toner container without giving special stress to the electrostatic latent image developing toner, without polluting the working environment and the worker and without danger. Such a filling method and filling device can be used for a small toner in a toner manufacturing process even when a large container that is temporarily stored is used for dividing storage or subdividing for shipping, and, for example, in extreme cases, a small toner for an end user. It can also be used when filling a container on demand.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, it has often been practiced to divide a powder toner for developing an electrostatic latent image into small containers from a large container and fill them in another container. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-193902 discloses a method of filling a toner powder into a toner receiving container from a toner supply container having a toner stirring auger inside and a rotary valve at the bottom. A step of introducing gas into the toner under agitation in the supply container to improve the fluidity of the toner, the toner is conveyed to the toner receiving container using a conveying pipe, and the toner conveyed to the toner receiving container is compressed. Then, there is a step of densifying and filling, and at that time, an exhaust pipe for circulation is provided between the middle of the transfer pipe and the toner supply container, and a gas component is separated by the exhaust pipe for circulation. A toner powder filling method is disclosed in which the toner entrained in the separated gas is returned to the toner supply container again together with the gas.

However, the toner for developing an electrostatic latent image is
It is a powder with an extremely small particle size, and its fluidity is poor and its cohesiveness is high despite its relatively small density specific gravity compared to other powders such as ceramic materials. In particular, recently, the resolution of the developed image is high. In order to meet the rising demand, particle size is becoming smaller and smaller.
In order to meet the demands for energy saving and instant high-speed fixing, there is a tendency toward the adoption of low-temperature fusible resins, which causes problems with cohesiveness, adhesion to other object surfaces, and filming properties. In order to improve these properties and avoid deterioration of fluidity and aggregation, in many cases, ultrafine particles such as fluidity improvers and aggregation inhibitors are supported on the surface of toner particles, and a charge control agent for improving charging characteristics. Since it is used in the form of supporting ultra-fine particles, from the viewpoint of preventing separation and dropping of these ultra-fine particles carried on the toner surface, and maintaining the charging characteristics, fluidity and anti-aggregation, the toner will not be excessive. Agitation or transfer by means such as an auger or a screw conveyor that imparts various stresses is not desirable.

In particular, color toners have a small particle size in order to obtain high resolution, and components such as a fluidity improver, a charge control agent, a fluidizing agent, an anticoagulant and an anti-fusing agent are provided on the surface. Since the particles are entangled with each other, the particles are entangled with each other, resulting in poor fluidity, and there is a risk of damaging the characteristics of the toner when a strong external force is applied, and conventional mechanical processing devices such as rotary valves and augers are not preferable.

Further, when the toner and air are mixed due to the pneumatic treatment of the toner, a toner cloud (cloud-like toner suspension formed by mixing the toner and gas) is generated due to the floating of the ultrafine toner. Although the volume to be handled expands, it is difficult to achieve quick separation of gas from the toner cloud and easy handling only by the structural shape and position of the separation pipe. It is difficult to control the amount of toner compression by separating the transfer gas using the piping means. Also,
When targeting extremely fine toner, if the amount of supplied air is too large, the fluid phase expands rapidly and easily transitions to the dust phase,
In addition, it may take a long time to recover the toner from the dust phase once generated, or the surrounding area may be contaminated with dust. For example, once a toner cloud is formed, it takes several hours to several tens of hours to allow only the toner to naturally deposit on the bottom surface. To control the generation of a large toner cloud, while controlling the slow supply air,
The operation for fluidizing the accumulated toner and moving it to a small container for subdivision is not easy. Also, when sorting from a large storage container to a large number of subdivision containers, the toner that was initially uniformly mixed may gradually generate component unevenness due to the effect of the air supplied into the storage container. It is also necessary to take

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to prevent the contamination of the surroundings, maintain the various physical properties of the toner, and facilitate the automation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for fluidizing a toner stored in a large container, which has excellent properties, and for quickly and accurately separating the toner into a small container. Also, not only cutting from the temporary storage container,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that can be used as a toner transfer device in the middle of a manufacturing line. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for filling a desired amount of powder toner for electrostatic latent image development from a large container to a small toner container without excess or deficiency, particularly work without giving special stress to the toner for electrostatic latent image development. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for quickly filling a small amount toner container with a desired amount without polluting the environment and workers and without danger.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problem is (1) a toner filling apparatus for filling a small toner container from the measuring tank after transferring the fine powder toner in the large container to the measuring tank. The measuring tank is provided with a discharge opening for discharging the toner to be filled, and the small-sized toner container is filled with only a predetermined amount of the toner transferred into the measuring tank by opening and closing the discharge opening. And (2) "The filling amount regulating unit is configured to include at least three stages of free ejection of the toner to be filled, ejection stop, and partial ejection. The toner filling device according to the item (1), which discharges a stepwise filling amount. ”, (3)“ The measuring tank is connected to the discharge opening portion from the large container. Flowing toner introduced through the tube The toner filling device according to item (1) or (2), further comprising first toner fluidizing means for filling the small toner container from the discharge opening of the measuring tank. (4) “The large container and the measuring tank are connected by a connecting pipe between the toner discharge port of the large container and the toner inlet of the measuring tank, and the connecting pipe is
The second toner fluidizing means for fluidizing the toner discharged from the large container and introducing the fluidized toner into the measuring tank is provided in any one of the above items (1) to (3). "Toner charging device", (5) "The large container has at least one slanted inner wall portion, and the slanted inner wall portion facilitates smooth discharge of the fine powder toner stored therein to the toner discharge port. (6) The toner filling device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the slanted inner wall portion is a hopper-like structure below the large container. The toner filling device according to the above item (5), characterized in that it is a part of a portion ”,
(7) “The slanted inner wall portion has a small sloped trough portion, and the trough portion is provided with a third toner fluidizing means for fluidization that promotes sliding of the fine powder toner. The toner filling device according to item (5) or (6) above, "(8)" the large container and the measuring tank are provided on an upper portion of the connecting pipe. The toner filling device according to any one of the items (1) to (7), characterized in that the toner filling device is also connected by a communication pipe. ”, (9)
"The filling amount regulating means for the ejection opening of the measuring tank comprises an elastic ring having an ejection opening, and ejection control means for controlling the ejection of toner from the ejection opening. The discharge amount control member is attached to a discharge control rod that moves up and down in the measuring tank, and the discharge amount control member is a conical member that inserts into and removes from the discharge opening to open and close the discharge opening. The toner filling device according to any one of items (1) to (8) above, "
(10) "The degree of opening and closing of the discharge opening is adjusted by the degree of insertion of the conical discharge control member into the opening of the elastic ring, which depends on the degree of elevation of the discharge control rod in the measuring tank. The toner filling device according to item (9) above, characterized in that (11) the lifting and lowering of the ejection control rod is performed by a drive device. Toner charging device according to item (10) ",
(12) “Has a suction tube charged into the small toner container for sucking air in the small toner container, and the charging opening end of the suction tube allows the filled toner particles to pass therethrough. A toner filling device according to any one of the above items (1) to (11), characterized in that a mesh material that allows only air to pass therethrough is attached. The toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting a gas, and each fine hole is provided with a first gas introduction pipe for introducing a pressurized gas into a porous body communicating with each other inside. The second toner fluidizing means has a second gas introducing pipe for introducing a pressurized gas into a porous body having a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole communicates with each other inside. The third toner fluidizing means is attached and has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas. Any of the above items (1) to (7), characterized in that the hole is provided with a third gas introducing pipe for introducing a pressurized gas into the porous body communicating with each other inside. Toner charging device according to item 1), (14) "the first
Has a first air supply control valve that stops air supply, starts air supply, and adjusts the air supply amount, and the second gas introduction pipe stops air supply and starts air supply. And / or a third gas introduction pipe for adjusting the amount of air supplied, and / or the third gas introducing pipe stops the supply of air, starts the supply of air, and adjusts the amount of supplied air. The thirteenth aspect, characterized in that it has a regulator valve
(15) “Toner charging device”, (15) “The connecting pipe has a downward gradient in which powder toner fluidized by the gas ejected from the second gas introducing pipe is transferred from the large container to the measuring tank. (16) “The upper communication pipe is the first toner filling device according to any one of the above (1) to (14)”.
In any one of the above items (8) to (15), the gas introduced from the gas introduction pipe has an upslope that is withdrawn into the large container through the measuring tank. (17) "Toner charging device" described above, wherein at least one of the large container and the measuring tank is provided with pressure adjusting means for increasing or decreasing the internal atmospheric pressure. (18) The toner filling device according to any one of the items (1) to (18), further comprising: a filled toner weight managing means for managing the amount of powder toner filled into the small toner container. Item to Item (17)
Item 19. The toner according to item (18), wherein the toner filling device includes a load cell for measuring the weight of the filled toner. (Filling device), (20) Toner filling device according to item (19), characterized in that it has monitor means for displaying the weight of the filled powder toner measured by the load cell. The filled toner weight management means has an arithmetic processing unit that calculates a filled toner weight from an empty weight of the small toner container in the load cell and a total weight of the small toner container filled with toner. The first (1
Toner charging device according to item 9) or (20) ”,
(22) "The arithmetic processing device has an input means, and the input scheduled weight of the toner can be input and the input scheduled weight can be changed by the input means. Toner charging device according to item (21) ", (2
3) “The arithmetic processing device transmits a drive command signal to a drive control device for the drive device based on the arithmetic result, and the above (21) or (22) ), The toner supply device, the second air supply adjusting valve, the third air supply adjusting valve based on the calculation result. The toner filling device according to any one of the above items (20) to (22), which transmits an opening / closing command signal for the valve.

Another object of the present invention is the method (25) of the present invention, which is a toner filling method for transferring a fine powder toner in a large container to a measuring tank and then filling the small toner container from the measuring tank. Is a filling amount for filling the small toner container with a predetermined amount of the toner transferred into the measuring tank by opening and closing the discharging opening for discharging the filled toner. A toner filling method characterized by having a regulating means ", (26)
The toner filling method according to the above (25), characterized in that at least three or more stepwise filling amount discharges including free discharge of the filled toner, discharge stop, and partial discharge are performed. (27) “The first toner fluidizing means provided at the discharge opening of the measuring tank facilitates discharge of toner filled in a small-sized toner container. Or (28) "the large container and the measuring tank are connected by a connecting pipe between the toner discharge port of the large container and the toner inlet of the measuring tank". The second toner fluidizing means provided in the connecting pipe facilitates the transfer of the toner introduced from the large container to the measuring tank. 27) The toner charge according to any one of the items 27). Method ”, (29)“ A large container having at least one inclined inner wall portion is used as the large container, and the inclined inner wall portion allows the fine powder toner contained therein to be discharged to the toner discharge port. (25) to (2), which are characterized by being smoothed.
8. The toner filling method according to any one of the items 8) ", (30)
"The slanted inner wall portion is a part of a hopper-shaped structural portion at the lower portion of the large-sized container.
(9) Item (Toner Filling Method), (31) "The inclined inner wall portion has a valley line portion having a small gradient, and the valley line portion is for fluidization for promoting sliding of the fine powder toner. The third
The toner filling method according to the above (29) or (30), characterized in that a large container provided with the toner fluidizing means is used. Is also connected by an upper communication pipe provided at the upper part of the connection pipe,
Item 33. The toner filling method according to any one of the items (1) to (31), (33) "Opening degree regulation for regulating the opening degree of the ejection opening portion by the filling amount regulation means for the ejection opening portion of the measuring tank. The discharge opening portion is basically made of a member, and the discharge opening portion is formed of an elastic material, and the opening degree regulating member opens and closes the discharge opening portion according to the degree of insertion into and removal from the discharge opening portion. (25) to (3), which is basically composed of a conical member that regulates the degree.
1) The toner filling method according to any one of the items 1) to 34).
"The filling amount regulation means of the discharge opening of the measuring tank basically consists of an opening degree regulation member for regulating the degree of opening of the discharge opening, and the discharge opening is formed of an elastic material. The opening degree regulating member is a plate-like member which is adjacent to the ejection opening portion and moves back and forth in the surface direction, according to any one of the above items (25) to (32). (Toner filling method), (35) "The opening degree regulating member is driven by a driving device, and the toner filling method according to the above (33) or (34)", (36) ) "A suction tube charged into the small toner container is used to suck the air in the small toner container, and the charging opening end of the suction tube does not allow the filled toner particles to pass through but only the air. It is characterized by being equipped with a mesh that allows Serial No. (25) section to the (3
5. The toner filling method according to any one of 5) ”, (37)
“The first toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole introduces a pressurized gas into a porous body which communicates with each other internally. A first toner fluidizing means having a tube, wherein the second toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting a gas, and each fine hole introduces a pressurized gas into a porous body communicating with each other inside; The third toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole introduces a pressurized gas into a porous body which is in communication with each other inside. And a third gas introduction pipe for performing the above (25) to ((3
(1) The toner filling method according to any one of the above items ”, (38)
"The first gas introduction pipe stops and starts air supply and the air supply amount is adjusted, and the second gas introduction pipe stops and starts air supply and the air supply amount is adjusted, and / or (3) The toner filling method according to item (37), wherein the third gas introduction tube stops and starts air supply and the air supply amount is adjusted. Has a downward gradient in which the powder toner fluidized by the gas ejected from the second gas introduction pipe is transferred from the large container to the measuring tank.
(5) Toner filling method according to any one of (38) to (40), "In the upper connecting pipe, the gas introduced from the first gas introducing pipe is passed through the measuring tank to obtain the large size. The toner filling method according to any one of the above items (32) to (39), characterized in that it has an upslope to be removed into a container ”, (41)“ the large container and the measuring tank. (25) to (4), wherein at least one of the internal pressures is increased or decreased during the toner filling operation, before the toner filling operation, and / or after the toner filling operation.
0) The toner filling method according to any one of the items 0), (42)
[Toner filling according to any one of the above items (25) to (41), characterized in that a filled toner weight managing means for managing the amount of powder toner filled in the small-sized toner container is used. Method ”, (43)“ The filled toner weight managing means has a load cell for measuring the filled toner weight, ”(44)“ The toner filling method described above in (42). The toner filling method according to item (43) above, further comprising monitor means for displaying the filled powder toner weight measured by the load cell. An arithmetic processing unit for calculating the weight of the filled toner from the empty weight of the small toner container in the load cell and the total weight of the small toner container filled with toner is used. Wherein said (43) term or the (44) toner filling method according to claim, characterized in that ", (46)
"The arithmetic processing device has an input means, and the input scheduled weight of the toner can be input and the input scheduled weight can be changed by the input means. Item 47, "Toner filling method", (47) "The arithmetic processing unit transmits a drive command signal to a drive control unit for the drive unit based on the arithmetic result. Item (45) or Item (46)
The toner filling method according to any one of the items 1 to 4), (48) "wherein the arithmetic processing device is based on the calculation result, the first air supply adjusting valve, the second air supply adjusting valve, and the third air supply adjusting valve. The toner filling method according to any one of the above items (44) to (46), which transmits an opening / closing command signal of the air supply control valve.

The present invention will be described in more detail below. The present invention solves the problems encountered when filling a small toner container with toner directly from a large container that stores or stores fine powder toner. Since the fine powder toner has a unique flow characteristic, it is difficult to discharge the fine powder toner from a large container at a constant rate at all times without applying stress to the fine powder toner, but on the other hand, it is not always discharged at a constant rate.
If the discharge is performed while pulsing, the discharge is stopped, or the discharge is dropped, it is difficult to accurately fill only the desired amount in the small toner container. Furthermore, it is necessary to change the outflow rate of the toner. For example, when the amount filled in the small toner container approaches the planned value,
While checking whether or not the planned value has been reached or predicting how much of the remaining amount to reach the planned value, toner may be filled little by little, and the filling operation is performed while adjusting. There are many things. According to the filling technique of the present invention, filling can be performed quickly, easily and accurately.

In the present invention, the toner is once discharged from the large container to the measuring tank, and then the small toner container is filled with only a desired amount from this measuring tank. However, as will be understood from the description below, It is not always necessary to sequentially perform discharge from the large container to the measuring tank and filling from the measuring tank to the small toner container, and in the present invention, both can be performed substantially in parallel.

That is, in the present invention, discharging from a large container to a measuring tank is suitable for rapid discharging of a large amount of toner, while filling from a measuring container to a small toner container is suitable for accurately charging only a desired amount of toner. Therefore, the filling operation is improved by combining the two. It is also conceivable to transfer from a large-sized container to a small-sized measuring container and perform the filling with the capacity of the small-sized measuring container itself as a filling unit amount. Although this is possible in the present invention as well, in the present invention, It is possible to fill only the desired amount of the toner in the measuring tank by the filling amount regulating means, instead of performing the filling with the capacity as the filling unit amount. Since a large container and a measuring tank are used at the same time, if the process timing between the former, which discharges a large amount and the latter, which accurately fills a small amount, does not always coincide, the present invention further provides By appropriately optimizing the structure and operation of the filling amount regulating means attached to the tank, it is possible to make the filling from the measuring tank into the small toner container suitable for smooth and accurate filling of only a desired amount of toner. Although not an indispensable requirement, it is possible not only to enable it, but also to quickly fill the toner, and in particular, the first
By cooperating the toner fluidizing means of (1) with the filling amount regulating means, it is possible to further rapidly and accurately fill the toner. By adjusting the amount of gas blown from the first toner fluidizing means, it is possible to adjust the toner filling amount in the small toner container to some extent. Thus, the filling can be smoothly performed without giving mechanical stress to the toner.

A more preferable mode of discharging the large container to the measuring tank in the present invention will be described. From the third toner fluidizing means arranged along the sloped surface, the bottom surface of the large container is inclined. By further providing the gas blow of, the powder layer filled in the container is slightly expanded or floated, and sliding to the toner discharge port at the bottom is promoted without giving mechanical stress to the toner. ,
In addition, the discharge from the toner discharge port is facilitated. Also,
By adjusting the amount of gas blown from the third toner fluidizing means, the amount of discharge from the large container to the measuring tank can be adjusted or the discharge can be stopped. Such a configuration
Prevents the toner from being intermittently discharged by preventing accumulation and aggregation on the inner wall of the toner container, and prevents compaction of powder accumulated in the toner discharge port at the bottom to help discharge to the measuring tank. Is responsible for

The large container and the measuring tank do not necessarily have to be integrated, and the toner discharged from the large container preferably passes through a connecting pipe which is a toner communication path between the large container and the measuring tank. Move to. More preferably, the connecting pipe is provided with a second toner fluidizing unit, and particle cross-linking in the connecting pipe is prevented by adjusting the amount of gas blown from the second toner fluidizing unit. Then, the discharge can be stopped by adjusting the discharge amount of the toner discharged to the measuring tank through the connecting pipe or by stopping the gas blowing. Although not essential in the present invention, at least one of the large container and the measuring tank can be provided with a pressure adjusting means for increasing or decreasing the internal atmospheric pressure.

Further, in order to suppress the toner cloud (cloud-like toner suspended matter formed by mixing toner and gas) due to toner floating by sucking air in the small toner container,
A suction tube can be inserted into this small-sized toner container to suck only the air without letting the filled toner particles pass through.

In the present invention, it is preferable to provide a filled toner weight management means for managing the amount of powder toner filled in the small-sized toner container. Such a filled toner weight management means is mounted, for example, on the above. It can be a conventional load cell for measuring the weight of a placed article and can be equipped with a monitor for displaying the measured weight value.

Although not an essential requirement in the present invention, the smooth operation of the filling amount control means can be controlled based on the toner weight measured by the load cell, and The first to third toner fluidizing means may be configured to adjust the amount of gas blown therein, and a control signal and an adjustment signal therefor may be transmitted from the central processing unit. The timing for calling can be calculated. In addition, such a central processing unit can be configured such that the required filling amount can be set and changed in advance, and an input unit for inputting a command therefor and a change command can be provided.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of an example of the filling device of the present invention. In the filling device example of FIG. 1, a large container (10)
The fine powder toner therein is filled in the small toner container (40) through the measuring tank (30). The large container (10) and the measuring tank (30) are connected to the toner discharge port (1) of the large container (10).
A connecting pipe (2) between the toner inlet of the measuring tank (30)
0), the measuring tank (30) is connected to the discharge opening (31) for discharging the toner to be filled, and the discharge opening (31) is opened and closed to the small toner container (40). It has a filling amount regulation means (32) for filling only a fixed amount.

The large container (10) has an inner wall portion (12) inclined so as not to prevent the toner contained therein from sliding off.
The inclined inner wall portion (12) facilitates the discharge of the fine powder toner contained therein to the toner discharge port (11). In the apparatus of this example, the inclined inner wall portion (12) is a part of the hopper-shaped structural portion (13) under the large container (10).

As shown in FIG. 2, in the apparatus of this example, the hopper-shaped structural portion (13) of the large container (10) is
The substantially triangular side plates (13b) (13c) inclined on both sides of each of the vertical substrates (13a) and the vertical substrates (1
3a), a rear plate (13d) of a substantially triangular shape with an inward inclination.
(13e) and the cross section is an inverted trapezoidal cone with a downward slope, and the back plate (13d) (13
The valley line portion (14) joined in (e) has the smallest gradient, but the valley line portion (14) having a small gradient has a third portion for fluidization that promotes sliding of the fine powder toner. The toner fluidizing means (15) is provided. A third gas introducing pipe (15) for the third toner fluidizing means (21).
a) is a total of 3 at the bottom and both walls of this trough (14).
Divided into books, each of the introduction pipe (15a),
An air supply control valve (15b) is provided.

The same applies to the case of the first toner fluidizing means (33) provided in the measuring tank (30) and the case of the second toner fluidizing means (21) provided in the connecting pipe (20). However, in the present invention, such toner fluidizing means can prevent interruption of toner outflow, or conversely, flapping, and adjust the amount of air supplied to such toner fluidizing means. By adjusting the amount of toner, the amount of toner outflow can be adjusted, and the size of the toner cloud (cloud-like toner suspended matter formed by mixing toner and gas) formed by mixing with the gas that has been sent is adjusted. It can be adjusted.

The large container (10) and the measuring tank (30) are
Upper communication pipe (50) provided on the upper part of the connecting pipe (20)
The upper communication pipe (50) is inclined upward from the measuring tank (30) toward the large container (10). This upper communication pipe (50) is connected to the measuring tank (3
0) has a role of keeping the pressure in the large container (10) equal to the pressure in the large container (10), and for some reason such as the amount of the gas ejected from the first toner fluidizing means (33) is too large, When a toner cloud larger than desired is formed in 30), excess gas can be extracted into the large container (10) by this upper communication pipe (50), and the container is inclined upward. As a result, the accompanying toner particles can be returned to the measuring tank (30).

Toner discharge port (1) at the bottom of the large container (10)
The toner powder discharged from 1) moves to the measuring tank (30) through the connecting pipe (20). At least a bottom surface portion of the connecting pipe (20) is provided with a porous plate air slider, that is, a second toner fluidizing means (21) which blows the introduced gas over substantially the entire surface in the length direction. The gas blown from the toner fluidizing means (21) fluidizes the toner transferred from the connecting pipe (20) to the measuring tank (30). The connecting pipe (20) is inclined downward toward the metering tank (30), and the sliding of the fluidized toner into the metering tank (30) is also assisted by this.

The toner powder discharged from the toner discharge port (11) is sent to the measuring tank (30) through the connecting pipe (20). The metering tank (30) in this example has a discharge amount opening means (31) with a filling amount regulating means (32) for accurately and smoothly filling a desired amount of toner. The "desired amount" can be appropriately set again.

The filling amount regulating means (3
2) is an elastic ring (3) having a discharge opening (31)
2a) and a discharge control means (32b) for controlling the discharge of toner from the discharge opening (31), and the discharge control means (32b) is a discharge control rod (32c) for moving up and down in the measuring tank (30). ) Is attached to the discharge control member (32d), the discharge control member (32d), the discharge opening (31)
Is a conical member that inserts and removes to open and close the discharge opening (31). The opening and closing degree of the discharge opening (31) moves up and down in the measuring tank (30) of the discharge control rod (32c). It is adjusted by the degree of insertion and the degree of fitting of the conical discharge control member (32d) into the opening (31) of the elastic ring (32a) depending on the degree.

When the tip of the cone having a small radius of the ejection control member (32d) rises until it completely comes out of the opening (31), it is in a fully open state (free ejection of the toner to be filled), and the ejection control member (32d). Is completely closed (toner discharge is stopped) when it is descended to the root end of the large-radius cone so as to be completely fitted into the opening (31) and inserted, and the intermediate state, that is, the discharge control member (32d) is The opening (3
1) In a state in which the discharge control member (32d) is not completely removed and not completely lowered, and a gap is maintained between the medium-sized conical radius portion of the discharge control member (32d) and the opening portion (31). When it is inserted to the extent that it is inserted, it is in a half-open state (partial discharge of toner) according to the insertion level. In the figure, the code (3
The flexible cover member indicated by 7) is the discharge opening (3
1) is provided on the sleeve (30a) below,
In the present invention, this cover member (37) can be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic ring (3
2a) has a wedge-shaped cross section in which the wall thickness decreases from the outer peripheral edge toward the internal discharge opening (31),
Therefore, the flexibility is greater on the inside where the discharge control member (32d) is forced to contact when it is completely inserted. In the present invention, in the case of the elastic ring (32a) having such a structure, even if the elastic ring (32a) comes into contact with the ejection control member (32d), the toner is not formed on the surface of the elastic ring (32a) or the ejection control member (32d). It has been found that no filming occurs. It is considered that even if the elastic ring (32a) comes into contact with the ejection control member (32d), the toner remaining inevitably between them is hardly stressed.

However, in the present invention, the filling amount regulating means for the discharge opening (31) of the measuring tank (30) is not limited to this exemplified one, and for example, the discharge opening (31).
Can be made of an elastic material in an appropriate shape, and the opening degree regulating member can be a plate-like member that is adjacent to the ejection opening and slides or retreats a predetermined distance in the surface direction. The degree of opening can be adjusted by the relative positional relationship between both openings due to the movement of the member having the matched opening.

Then, such a discharge control rod (32c)
The raising and lowering of is performed by the drive device (39) driven by the drive source (39b) controlled by the drive control device (39a). The drive device (39) for raising and lowering the discharge control rod (32c) can be performed by an appropriate means such as an air pressure cylinder, a motor, or a hydraulic cylinder. In the device of this example, an air pressure cylinder is used. There is. Thereby, the first toner fluidizing means (33), the second toner fluidizing means (21), and the third toner fluidizing means (1)
It can be used as a drive source by branching from the compressed air source pipe for the air used in 5).

The first toner fluidizing means (33) in this example has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole is added to a porous body communicating with each other inside. It has a first gas introduction pipe (33a) for introducing a pressurized gas. Similarly, the second toner fluidizing means (21) has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole introduces a pressurized gas into a porous body which communicates with each other inside. Second
The third toner fluidizing means (15) has a large number of fine holes for ejecting the gas, and each fine hole communicates with each other inside. It has a third gas introduction pipe (15a) for introducing pressurized gas into the body.
In the apparatus of this example, a porous sintered body having a smooth surface is used. Further, although not shown, in order to prevent dust explosion of the fluidized toner, the toner filling device of this example is provided with a discharging unit for discharging generated static electricity.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the apparatus of this example, the first toner fluidizing means (33) has a discharge opening portion (30) of the measuring tank (30) in order to obtain a required high toner discharge ability. In the case of a large container (10), which is provided in the vicinity of 31) over the entire circumference and therefore only a part of which is provided with a thin strip-shaped third toner fluidizing means (15). It turns out that is different from. The moving amount of the toner powder has a range proportional to the blowing air amount, and the moving amount can be made substantially constant by adjusting the supply gas amount, but each toner fluidizing means (33) (21) (15). ), The size of the holes, and therefore, when a similar gas ejection material is used, the amount of the holes is related to the amount of gas that can be supplied. In particular, in the measuring tank (30) having a structure in which the cross section becomes narrower toward the discharge opening (31), gas outlets are continuously provided along the circumferential surface in several steps in order to prevent the crosslinking phenomenon due to the toner. Alternatively, a blowing structure in which gas blows in the spiral direction can be used.

The first gas introduction pipe (33a) has a first air supply control valve (33b) for stopping air supply, starting air supply, and adjusting the amount of air supply, and similarly the second gas supply pipe (33b). Gas introduction pipe (2
1a) has a second air supply control valve (21b) that stops air supply, starts air supply, and adjusts the air supply amount, and the third gas introduction pipe (15a) stops air supply and sends air. Although it has the 3rd air supply control valve (15b) which starts air supply and adjusts the air supply amount, in the present invention, these 1st-3rd gas introduction pipes (33a) (2).
At least one of 1a) (15a) preferably has such an air supply regulating valve.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the filling apparatus of the present invention, the measuring tank (30) can be provided with a pressure adjusting means (36) for increasing / decreasing the internal atmospheric pressure. The pressure adjusting means is instead a large container (1
0) or can be installed together with the large container (10). The pressure adjusting means adjusts the pressure state and the toner cloud state in the large container (10) and / or the measuring tank (30) in a state where the gas is fed from the first to third toner fluidizing means. Contribute to.

Furthermore, the filling device of the present invention is configured not only by the device itself but also by inserting a suction tube into the small toner container in order to suck the air in the small toner container filled with toner. be able to. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the discharge control rod (32c) is a hollow tubular body,
The suction pipe (38) is connected to the small toner container (4) from the hollow portion.
0), and the air in the small toner container is sucked from its tip. The charging opening end of the suction pipe (38) is equipped with a mesh material (38a) that does not allow the filled toner particles to pass but allows only air to pass. By adopting such a double structure, the vibration of the suction pipe (38) can be suppressed, or the sound due to the vibration of the suction pipe (38) can be suppressed. Furthermore, in order to prevent the resonance of the double structure pipe consisting of the hollow tubular discharge control rod (32c) and the suction pipe (38) inserted therein, it is possible to fill the desired portion of the gap between the two with a resonance preventing material. A hollow tubular discharge control rod (32c) and a suction pipe (3) inserted therein.
An antiresonance material can be adopted as a fixing material for fixing the double structure consisting of 8) and 8). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the suction tube (38) is inserted into the small toner container (40) from a position different from the discharge control rod (32c), and the tip of the suction pipe (38) is inserted into the small toner container. Of course, you can also suck air. By adopting such a separation structure, it is possible to flexibly manufacture the toner filling device of the present invention without requiring strict dimensional accuracy for the discharge control rod (32c) and the suction pipe (38).

On the other hand, the toner filling device of the present invention preferably has a filled toner weight management means for controlling the amount of powder toner filled in the small toner container (40). Weight management means (60)
Has a load cell (61) for placing a small toner container (40) thereon to measure the weight of the filled toner. The load cell (61) moves up and down to move the weighing tank (3
0) and the small toner container (40) are provided on the lifter (61a) for appropriately changing the interval. Further, the load cell (61) is provided with monitor means (63) for displaying the measured weight of the filled powder toner.

Such a monitor means may be generated based on a voltage signal from the pressure receiving detection means for detecting a voltage which changes according to the degree of elastic deformation due to weight or pressure, or directly in response to the received pressure. Well-known display means capable of displaying the measured weight can be used based on the generated signal from the pressure detecting element such as a piezoelectric element which changes the electric power, and the toner is filled by observing the weight displayed on the monitor means (63). The filling can be performed or finished while confirming the amount.

Although not essential in the present invention, the filled toner weight managing means (60) in the toner filling device of this example is such that the empty weight of the small toner container (40) in the load cell (61) and the toner are stored. It has a processing unit (62) for calculating the weight of the filled toner from the total weight of the small toner container (40) filled.

The arithmetic processing unit (62) has an input means (64), and while checking the weight displayed on the monitor means (63) by the input means (64), for example, the weight of toner to be filled. Can be input, and the input planned filling weight can be changed. In addition, the arithmetic processing unit (6
2) transmits a drive command signal from the communication line (67) to the drive control device (39a) for the drive source (39b) of the drive device (39) based on the calculation result, and the drive control device (39a). Raises and lowers the discharge control rod (32c) based on it. As the arithmetic processing unit (62), various devices such as a simple analog voltage comparator to various CPUs such as a microcomputer chip are used (in the case of an analog voltage comparator, of course, depending on a predetermined potential difference). For example, an AD converter for converting into a pulse signal can be attached).

As described above, the discharge control rod (32
When c) is moved up and down and the tip of the cone having the small radius of the discharge control member (32d) rises until it completely comes out of the opening (31), it is in the fully open state, and the base of the discharge control member (32d) has a large radius. It is in a fully closed state when it is lowered and inserted so as to completely fit into the opening (31) to the end, and the state in the middle thereof, that is, the discharge control member (32d) is the opening (3).
1) In a state in which the discharge control member (32d) is not completely removed and not completely lowered, and a gap is maintained between the medium-sized conical radius portion of the discharge control member (32d) and the opening portion (31). When it is inserted to the extent that it is inserted, it is in a half-open state according to the insertion level, and therefore it can be adjusted to several levels, but in the toner filling device example shown in FIG. Gas introduction pipe (33a) (21a) 15
Since the filling can be adjusted also by adjusting the amount of air supplied to a), the elevation degree of the discharge control rod (32c) is set to a fully closed state, a fully opened state, and a half opened state between them.

The input means (64) in this example is a button and a rotary knob of a digital switch as a code generator (binary code).
In the case of PU, it can be used as a keyboard, and in that case, various data including weight can of course be rewritten (based on the result of the operation and / or the result of the input signal from the input means). Store (that is, sequentially called by the CPU, operated,
It is possible to add a RAM for sequentially storing the calculation results again), and a ROM for freely storing various programs including a processing program for processing the various data and various command information transmission programs, and The processing device (62), based on the calculation result, for example, the first
~ 3 air supply control valves (33b), (21b), (15b)
Can be configured to have a program for transmitting the open / close command signal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the toner filling device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of communicating pipes connecting the large container (10) and the measuring tank (30), and the opening of each communicating pipe is a large container. It is also possible to transfer the fine powder from different locations to the filling cylinder, and here, one of them
One can be a pressure adjusting member that maintains the pressure in the upper space of the measuring tank (30) at atmospheric pressure or less.

As shown in FIG. 7, the elastic ring (32a) in the toner filling device of the present invention strengthens the inclination of the upper surface of the elastic body and loosens the inclination of the lower surface so that the ejection opening (31) is provided from the outer periphery. The thickness of the elastic ring (32a) is further reduced toward the inner circumference to further prevent toner from adhering to the surface of the elastic ring (32a).
The suction means (3) instead of the suction pipe (38) is provided at a position near the outer periphery of the sleeve (31a) without the discharge opening (31).
4) can be arranged and an air supply distributor (35) for uniform air supply for the first fluidizing means (33) can be provided.

In the filling device of the present invention, when the toner accumulation amount on the discharge side of the large container increases, the air resistance increases correspondingly, and the transfer speed of the toner powder in the connecting pipe decreases, so that the transfer is automatically performed. May stop. The fluidization of the toner prevents this, but the degree of expansion of the toner layer (the size of the toner cloud) due to the air supply into the large container is adjusted to about 20% to 500% of the depth of the toner layer. If it is less than this, it is difficult to smoothly discharge, and if it is more than this, a local vortex flow of the powder or blowing up occurs in the container, which is not preferable. The degree of expansion of the toner layer in the measuring tank (about the size of the toner cloud) is (25% to 600%) of the depth of the toner layer.
%). Further, as a means for increasing the bulk density of the fluidized toner layer, it is also possible to divide the air slider of the porous plate and intermittently feed the supply air to transport the powder in the form of divided pulses.

An example of a toner filling method using the toner filling device shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The toner filling device is used in a toner manufacturing factory, a storage and shipping department, or an office, for example, near a copying machine. However, for example, when it is used in the vicinity of a copying machine, it is desirable to provide it on a trolley with casters together with a pressure container as a gas supply source, and to attach a compressor for storing compressed air to the pressure container. it can.

[0044]

EXAMPLES Examples of the toner filling method of the present invention will be described below. An example of the toner filling device is shown below. The specifications of this device, particularly the shape of the large container (10) and an example of the material are shown in FIG. The capacity of this large container (10) is 25 to 5
The amount of toner stored in the large container (10) is generally 10 to 200 kg. The inclination angle of the bottom of the large container (10) is preferably 30 to 60 °, and the inclination angle of attaching the connecting pipe (20) is preferably 30 to 60 °. The capacity of the weighing tank (30) in this example is 0.
It is preferable that the amount of toner is 5 to 20 l and the amount of toner in the measuring tank (30) is generally 50 to 2000 g. The apparatus of this example is a two-component non-magnetic toner (color toner, monochrome toner), one-component non-magnetic toner (color toner, monochrome toner), one-component magnetic toner (monochrome toner), ferrite carrier developer, magnetite carrier. It can be applied to developers and the like.

The toner fluidization start and stabilization example in the apparatus of this example will be described. The fluidization air pressure of 3 to 5 kg / cm ^{2 and} the fluidization air flow rate of 0.1 to 1 l / min can be used for operation. However, the time required for fluidization stabilization is generally 5 to 20 seconds. As I explained earlier,
Air is flowed to fluidize the toner, and the measuring tank (3
In (0), the air content (ratio of solid to gas) is further stabilized (constant).

Next, the start of toner filling will be described. The outer diameter of the ejection control member (32d) in this apparatus is preferably 5 to 50 mm, and the inner diameter of the elastic ring (32a) is 5 to 50 mm. Is preferred. The outer diameter of the discharge control member (32d) and the elastic ring (3
The difference between the inner diameters of 2a) is generally -0.5 to +2.0 mm. FIG. 9 shows the shape and material of the discharge control member (32d) in detail and specifically. By raising the discharge control member (32d), a large gap is formed between the discharge control member (32d) and the elastic ring (32a) to drop the toner,
Start filling the small container (40).

Stopping the toner is performed as follows.
That is, the discharge control member (32) to the elastic ring (32a)
d) is inserted and the discharge opening (31) is opened and closed, but the discharge control member (32) to the elastic ring (32a) is inserted.
The degree of insertion of d) and the degree of opening and closing of the discharge opening (31) are
In the stage, the insertion degree is 0 to 10%, the opening and closing degree is 95 to 100%,
In the second stage, the degree of insertion is 40-60% -the degree of opening and closing is 5-30%
In the third stage, the degree of insertion is 95-100% -the degree of opening and closing is 0-5%. In the first stage, most of the specified filling amount in the small container (40) is filled, in the second stage precise filling is performed until the specified weight is reached, and when the specified amount is reached, the toner flow is changed in the third stage. Stop.

[0048]

As is apparent from the detailed and specific description above, according to the present invention, a desired amount of the powder toner for developing an electrostatic latent image having an ultrafine particle size of micron is exceeded. Provided is a method and apparatus for filling a small toner container from a large container without deficiency, particularly without giving particular stress to the toner for electrostatic latent image development, without impairing various physical properties and compoundability of the toner, and working environment and A method and apparatus for quickly filling a small toner container with a desired amount without polluting an operator and without danger is provided. Such a filling method and filling device can be used for a small toner in a toner manufacturing process even when a large container that is temporarily stored is used for dividing storage or subdividing for shipping, and, for example, in extreme cases, a small toner for an end user. It has an extremely excellent effect that it can be used when filling a container on demand.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a filling device according to the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the large container in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the filling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating still another example of the filling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating still another example of the filling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating still another example of the filling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating still another example of the filling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the filling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating one specific example of the discharge control member according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 large containers 11 Toner outlet 12 Inner wall 13 Hopper-like structure 13a vertical substrate 13b side plate 13c side plate 13d back plate 13e Back plate 14 Valley part 15 Third toner fluidizing means 15a Third introduction pipe 15b Air supply control valve 20 Connection pipe 21 Second toner fluidizing means 21a Second introduction pipe 21b Air supply control valve 30 weighing tank 30a sleeve 31 Discharge opening 32 Filling amount control means 32a elastic ring 32b Discharge control means 32c Discharge control rod 32d discharge control member 33 First toner fluidizing means 33a First introduction pipe 33b Air supply control valve 34 suction means 35 Distributor for air supply 36 Pressure adjusting means 37 Cover member 37a sensor 38 Suction tube 38a mesh material 39 Drive 39a Drive control device 39b Drive source 40 small toner container 50 Upper communication pipe 60 Filled toner weight management means 61 load cell 61a lifter 62 arithmetic processing unit 63 monitoring means 64 input means 65 communication line 66 communication line 67 communication line 68 communication line

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Claims (48)

[Claims] 1. A toner filling device for filling a small toner container from the measuring tank after transferring the fine powder toner in the large container to the measuring tank, wherein the measuring tank is a discharge opening for discharging the toner to be filled. Toner filling means for filling the small toner container with a predetermined amount of the toner transferred into the measuring tank by opening and closing the discharge opening. apparatus. 2. The filling amount regulation means performs stepwise filling amount ejection of at least three steps, which comprises free ejection of the toner to be filled, ejection stop, and partial ejection. 1. The toner filling device according to 1. 3. The measuring tank, wherein the toner introduced from the large-sized container through the connecting pipe is fluidized into the discharge opening of the measuring tank to fill the small-sized toner container from the discharge opening of the measuring tank. The toner filling device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one toner fluidizing unit. 4. The large container and the measuring tank are connected by a connecting pipe between the toner discharge port of the large container and the toner inlet of the measuring tank, and the connecting pipe is discharged from the large container. 4. The toner filling device according to claim 1, further comprising second toner fluidizing means for fluidizing the toner to be introduced into the measuring tank. 5. The large-sized container has at least one slanted inner wall portion, and the slanted inner wall portion facilitates smooth discharge of the fine powder toner stored therein to a toner discharge port. The toner filling device according to claim 1, wherein the toner filling device is a toner filling device. 6. The toner filling device according to claim 5, wherein the slanted inner wall portion is a part of a hopper-shaped structural portion of the lower portion of the large container. 7. The slanted inner wall portion has a valley line portion having a small slope, and the valley line portion is provided with a third toner fluidizing means for fluidizing that promotes sliding of the fine powder toner. 7. The toner filling device according to claim 5, wherein the toner filling device is provided. 8. The toner filling according to claim 1, wherein the large container and the measuring tank are also connected to each other by an upper communication pipe provided above the connection pipe. apparatus. 9. The discharging amount filling means of the discharge opening of the measuring tank comprises an elastic ring having a discharge opening and discharge control means for controlling discharge of toner from the discharge opening. The control means includes a discharge amount control member mounted on a discharge control rod that moves up and down in the measuring tank, and the discharge amount control member is a cone that is inserted into and removed from the discharge opening to open and close the discharge opening. The toner filling device according to claim 1, wherein the toner filling device is a sheet-shaped member. 10. The degree of opening and closing of the discharge opening depends on the degree of up-and-down movement of the discharge control rod in the measuring tank, and the degree of insertion of the conical discharge control member into the opening of the elastic ring. The toner filling device according to claim 9, wherein the toner filling device is adjusted. 11. The toner filling device according to claim 9, wherein the ejection control rod is lifted and lowered by a driving device. 12. A suction tube inserted into the small toner container for sucking air in the small toner container, the charging opening end of the suction tube passing the filled toner particles. The toner filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a mesh material that allows only air to pass therethrough. 13. The first toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting a gas, and each fine hole introduces a pressurized gas into a porous body which communicates with each other inside. The second toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole applies a pressurized gas to a porous body which is in communication with each other. A second gas introducing pipe for introducing is provided, and the third toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole is added to a porous body communicating with each other inside. The toner filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a third gas introduction pipe for introducing a pressurized gas. 14. The first gas introduction pipe has a first air supply adjusting valve for stopping air supply, starting air supply, and adjusting an air supply amount, and the second gas introduction pipe, An air supply is stopped, an air supply is started, and a second air supply control valve for adjusting an air supply amount is provided; and / or the third gas introduction pipe is stopped, air supply is started, and The toner filling device according to claim 13, further comprising a third air supply control valve for adjusting an air supply amount. 15. The connecting pipe has a downward slope in which the powder toner fluidized by the gas ejected from the second gas introducing pipe is transferred from the large container to the measuring tank. The toner filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. 16. The upper communication pipe has an upward slope in which the gas introduced from the first gas introduction pipe is withdrawn into the large container through the measuring tank. 16. The toner filling device according to any one of 8 to 15. 17. The toner filling device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the large container and the measuring tank is provided with pressure adjusting means for increasing / decreasing an internal atmospheric pressure. 18. The toner filling device according to claim 1, further comprising filled toner weight management means for managing the amount of powder toner filled into the small-sized toner container. 19. The toner filling device according to claim 18, wherein the filled toner weight management means has a load cell for measuring the filled toner weight. 20. The toner filling device according to claim 19, further comprising monitor means for displaying a weight of the filled powder toner measured by the load cell. 21. An arithmetic processing unit, wherein the filled toner weight management means calculates a filled toner weight from an empty weight of the small toner container in the load cell and a total weight of the small toner container filled with toner. The toner filling device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by having. 22. The arithmetic processing unit has an input means, and the scheduled weight of toner is input by the input means.
22. The toner filling device according to claim 21, wherein the inputted planned filling weight can be changed. 23. The arithmetic processing device transmits a drive command signal to a drive control device for the drive device based on the arithmetic result.
Or the toner filling device according to item 22. 24. The arithmetic processing unit transmits an opening / closing command signal for the first air supply control valve, the second air supply control valve, and the third air supply control valve based on the operation result. 23. The toner filling device according to claim 20, wherein the toner filling device is a toner filling device. 25. A toner filling method for filling a small toner container from the measuring tank after transferring the fine powder toner in the large container to the measuring tank, wherein the measuring tank is a discharge opening for discharging the toner to be filled. Toner filling means for filling the small toner container with a predetermined amount of the toner transferred into the measuring tank by opening and closing the discharge opening. Method. 26. The filling amount regulating means performs stepwise filling amount ejection of at least three steps including free ejection of toner to be filled, ejection stop, and partial ejection. 25. The toner filling method described in 25. 27. The discharge of the toner filled in the small-sized toner container is smoothed by the first toner fluidizing means provided at the discharge opening of the measuring tank. 5. The toner filling method described in. 28. The large container and the measuring tank are connected by a connecting pipe between the toner discharge port of the large container and the toner inlet of the measuring tank, and a second toner flow provided on the connecting pipe. The toner filling method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein transfer of the toner introduced from the large-sized container to the measuring tank is facilitated by the converting means. 29. As the large container, a large container having at least one inclined inner wall portion is used, and the inclined inner wall portion facilitates discharge of the fine powder toner contained therein to a toner discharge port. 29. The toner filling method according to claim 25, wherein: 30. The toner filling method according to claim 29, wherein the inclined inner wall portion is a part of a hopper-shaped structural portion at the lower portion of the large container. 31. The inclined inner wall portion has a valley line portion having a small slope, and the valley line portion is provided with a third toner fluidizing means for fluidizing that promotes sliding of the fine powder toner. 30. Use of a large container as described above.
Or the toner filling method according to item 30. 32. The toner filling according to claim 25, wherein the large container and the measuring tank are also connected to each other by an upper communication pipe provided on an upper portion of the connection pipe. Method. 33. The filling amount regulating means of the discharge opening of the measuring tank basically comprises an opening degree regulating member for regulating the degree of opening of the discharge opening, and the discharge opening is made of an elastic material. The opening degree regulating member basically comprises a conical member that regulates the degree of opening / closing of the discharge opening according to the degree of insertion / removal into / from the discharge opening. 33. The toner filling method according to claim 25, wherein: 34. The filling amount regulating means of the discharge opening of the measuring tank basically comprises an opening degree regulating member for regulating the degree of opening of the discharge opening, and the discharge opening is made of an elastic material. 33. The toner filling method according to claim 25, wherein the opening degree regulating member is a plate-like member which is adjacent to the ejection opening portion and advances and retreats in a surface direction. . 35. The driving of the opening degree regulating member is performed by a driving device.
5. The toner filling method described in. 36. A suction tube inserted into the small toner container is used for sucking air in the small toner container, and a charging opening end of the suction tube allows the filled toner particles to pass therethrough. 36. The toner filling method according to claim 25, further comprising a mesh that allows only air to pass therethrough. 37. The first toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting a gas, and each fine hole introduces a pressurized gas into a porous body communicating with each other inside. The second toner fluidizing means has a plurality of fine holes for ejecting a gas, and each fine hole applies a pressurized gas to a porous body communicating with each other inside. The third toner fluidizing means is provided with a first gas introducing pipe for introducing gas, and the third toner fluidizing means has a large number of fine holes for ejecting gas, and each fine hole is added to a porous body communicating with each other inside. 32. The toner filling method according to claim 25, further comprising a third gas introduction pipe for introducing a pressurized gas. 38. The first gas introduction pipe has its air supply stopped and started and its air supply amount adjusted, and the second gas introduction pipe has its air supply stopped and started and its air supply amount adjusted. And / or the third gas introduction pipe stops and starts the air supply, and the air supply amount is adjusted.
7. The toner filling method according to item 7. 39. The connecting pipe has a descending slope for transferring the powder toner fluidized by the gas ejected from the second gas introducing pipe from the large container to the measuring tank. 39. The toner filling method according to claim 25. 40. The upper connection pipe has an upward slope by which the gas introduced from the first gas introduction pipe is withdrawn to the large container via the measuring tank. 40. The toner filling method according to any one of 32 to 39. 41. The internal pressure of at least one of the large container and the measuring tank is increased / decreased during a toner filling operation, before a toner filling operation, and / or after a toner filling operation. 6. The toner filling method according to claim 1. 42. The toner filling method according to claim 25, wherein a filled toner weight managing means for managing the amount of powder toner filled in the small-sized toner container is used. 43. The toner filling method according to claim 42, wherein the filled toner weight managing means has a load cell for measuring the filled toner weight. 44. The toner filling method according to claim 43, further comprising monitor means for displaying a weight of the filled powder toner measured by the load cell. 45. An arithmetic processing device, wherein the filled toner weight management means calculates a filled toner weight from an empty weight of the small toner container in the load cell and a total weight of the small toner container filled with toner. The toner filling method according to claim 43 or 44, which is used. 46. The arithmetic processing device has an input unit, and the input planned unit inputs an estimated weight of toner to be filled,
46. The toner filling method according to claim 45, wherein the inputted planned filling weight can be changed. 47. The operation processing device transmits a drive command signal to a drive control device for the drive device based on the operation result. 5. The toner filling method described in. 48. The arithmetic processing unit transmits an open / close command signal for the first air supply control valve, the second air supply control valve, and the third air supply control valve based on the operation result. The toner filling method according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein: