JP3145776B2 - Developer supply container - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developer supply container for supplying a developer to a developing device used in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and an electrostatic information recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a powdery toner is used as a developer in a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine. The powder toner is consumed as the image forming process proceeds, and it is necessary to replenish the developer in a timely manner. For supplying the developer, a developer supply container is used.

[0003] As one of the developer supply containers, a body portion in which an internal space for accommodating a developer to be supplied to a developer receiving container is formed, and the developer in the internal space of the body portion is discharged to the outside. A container body integrally formed with a mouth portion for opening, a shutter for releasably covering the mouth portion of the container body, and a releasably fixed to a peripheral portion of the container body mouth portion, wherein the mouth portion is And a film member for covering, wherein the container body is made of a plastic material. For example, the container body is manufactured by molding an engineering plastic such as an ABS resin, an impact-resistant polystyrene resin (HIPS), a polyurethane resin, and a polycarbonate resin. Therefore, the container main body has high rigidity that can withstand the impact at the time of transportation, the impact at the time of replacement due to running out of toner, and the like.

[0004] As another developer container, a body portion in which an internal space for accommodating a developer to be supplied to the developer receiving container is formed, and the developer in the internal space of the body portion is discharged to the outside. A container body having a flanged mouth portion, and a shutter that removably covers the mouth portion of the container body,
A film member that is releasably fixed to the shutter-facing surface of the flange of the mouth and covers the mouth; the body of the container body is made of a paper material; and the mouth of the container body is made of a plastic material. In some cases, the body-facing surface of the flange of the mouth portion and the outer surface side portion of the edge of the body portion are bonded with a hot melt adhesive or the like.

[0005]

However, in the former developer supply container, since the container main body is integrally formed, a mold is required for molding the container main body. Production costs increase.

On the other hand, in the latter developer supply container,
Since the body-portion-facing surface of the flange of the mouth and the outer surface-side portion of the edge of the body are bonded, the bonding strength of the bonding portion is small, so that the bonding portion is easily cracked. There is a possibility that toner leaks from the bonding portion. Also,
Moisture easily enters the body from the cracks in the bonding portion, which adversely affects the toner. Further, the appearance of the external appearance is impaired due to the exposed portion of the bonding portion.

[0007] In general, waste plastic products are incinerated. However, the incineration process is similarly performed on the container body of the developer supply container. However, as the operation time of the image forming apparatus increases, the frequency of replenishment of the developer increases, and the number of developer supply containers to be discarded increases. As a result, the number of incineration processes for the container body increases, and a great amount of energy is consumed for the incineration process. In addition, since the incineration temperature for the plastic container is high, the load on the incineration equipment is increased, and the life of the incineration equipment is shortened.

Further, before the container main body is incinerated, the container main body is crushed and then temporarily stored in a predetermined place according to the operation of the incinerator. However, when the container body in which the developer remains is crushed, the residual developer in the container blows out from the open mouth to the outside by the pressure received when the container body is crushed, The surrounding environment may be contaminated with the developer.

[0009]

[0010] A first object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container which does not require incineration and can eliminate unnecessary energy consumption for incineration.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a molding die.
It does not require expensive molds such as
And bent joints impair developer discharge
It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container which does not have any problem.

[0012]

[0013]

According to the first invention of the present application,
The first object is to accommodate a developer for replenishment to the developer receiving container, the mouth for discharging the developer to the outside
A container body provided in the developer supply container and a film member for releasably sealing the mouth portion of the container body, that at least the container body is made of a photodegradable plastics <br/> click member Is achieved by

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the second object is to store a developer to be supplied to a developer receiving container,
In a developer supply container including a container body provided with an opening for discharging the developer to the outside, the container body has a folded box shape, and the container body has one surface of the container body. and this includes a joint portion for joining the other face adjacent, the joint portion is achieved by that the vessel body is bent so as to be provided on the outer surface of the container body.

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[Action] developer supply container of the present first invention, at least the container body is made from photodegradable plastics material.

After use, the container body is discarded at a predetermined place. The container body is naturally decomposed at its disposal site within a period of several years, and it is not necessary to incinerate the container body after crushing as in the prior art. Also, the container body
In a place exposed to a lot of sunlight.
Forcing the outside line increases the decomposition rate.

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

In the developer supply container according to the third aspect of the present invention, if the container main body is formed by bending a paper material or the like and the strength is improved,
In both cases, the step at the joint does not appear on the inner surface, so the developer
The emission of ash is not impaired.

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a developer supply container according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container as a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a developer supply device of FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a joint state between a body portion and a flange of a mouth portion of the developer supply container.

The developer supply container for replenishing the developer to the developing device used in the image forming apparatus is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. The container main body 1 has a body portion 2 in which an internal storage space for the developer is formed, and includes a body portion 2 that opens downward, and a mouth portion 3 for discharging the developer in the body portion 2 to the outside.

The body 2 is made of a foldable box,
The box is made of corrugated cardboard, compression-molded paper, or the like. A developer charging port 2a is provided on a side surface of the body portion 2. In order to reduce the number of plastic parts, it is preferable to seal the filling port 2a with a label seal 10 instead of the cap.

The mouth 3 is provided with a flange 4 which is made of ABS resin, impact-resistant polystyrene resin (H
It is made of engineering plastics such as IPS), polyurethane resin and polycarbonate resin, and is manufactured by molding.

A neck 5 projecting vertically from one surface thereof is integrally connected to the flange 4, and a groove 6 is formed in the neck 5. The edge of the body portion 2 is inserted into the groove 6, and the inner peripheral surface of the groove 6 and the surface of the edge of the body portion 2 facing the groove 6 are bonded with a hot melt adhesive.

A bent portion 7 for forming a guide groove is provided at an edge of the flange 4, and the bent portion 7 is arranged on the other surface side of the flange 4.

An edge along the longitudinal direction of the shutter 8 is inserted into the guide groove of the flange 4, and the shutter 8 is guided by the guide groove to open the closed position for covering the opening 3 of the container body 1 and open the opening 3. To the open position. The shutter 8 is made of engineering plastic and manufactured by injection molding.

A film member 9 covering the mouth 3 is attached to the flange 4. The film member 9 is detachably fixed to the other surface of the flange 4 by means such as heat welding. The part of the flange 4 to which the film member 9 is fixed is located outside the part of the flange 4 where the groove 6 is formed. When the film member 9 is peeled from the flange 4, the shutter 8 is moved from the closed position to the open position with the peeling operation of the film member 4.

Next, a procedure for replenishing the developer into the developer receiving container with the developer supply container will be described.

First, a developer supply container is mounted on a developer receiving container (not shown). Next, the operator peels off the film member 9. As the film member 9 is peeled off, the shutter 8 is moved from the closed position to the open position, and the developer in the body 2 is supplied to the developer receiving container via the opening 3.

After the replenishment of the developer is completed, the shutter 8 is moved to the closed position by the operator, and the opening 3 is closed. Therefore, the developer remaining in the body portion 2 is prevented from scattering outside.

As described above, since the edge of the body 2 is inserted into the groove 6 of the flange 4, the bonding area between the flange 4 and the edge of the body 2 is smaller than that of the conventional developer supply container. Therefore, the adhesive strength between the flange 4 and the body 2 can be increased, and a crack is less likely to be formed between the mouth 3 and the body 2. As a result, leakage of the developer from the crack,
Intrusion of moisture from the crack can be prevented.

Further, since the bonding portion between the flange 4 and the edge of the body portion 2 is in the groove 6, the bonding portion is not exposed to the outside, so that the bonding portion impairs the appearance of the container body 1. Never.

Furthermore, since there is only the opening 3 in the mold, the number of molds for the mold is reduced, and the production cost can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the body 2 of the container body 1 is made of a paper material. However, since the inner surface of the body 2 is provided with smoothness, the discharge time of the developer is reduced, and the remaining amount is reduced. In addition, it is preferable to deposit an aluminum film on the inner surface of the body 2 in order to protect the developer from external moisture.

Next, a method for manufacturing the developer supply container will be described.

First, a body 2 molded into a box by assembling a box folded in advance, and a mouth 3 molded by a mold are prepared. Then about 150 ° C
The hot-melt adhesive, which is melted at a temperature between 200 ° C. and 200 ° C., is poured into the groove 6 of the neck 5 of the mouth 3 by an extrusion nozzle. After pouring of hot melt adhesive,
The lower end edge of the body portion 2 is inserted into the groove 6, and drying is performed. The drying time is about a few seconds. After drying, the body 2 and the mouth 3 are bonded with a predetermined strength, and the bonding process between the body 2 and the mouth 3 is completed. Therefore, the time required for the bonding process between the body portion 2 and the mouth portion 3 is a short time of about several seconds, and the bonding operation between the body portion 2 and the mouth portion 3 is very simple.

Next, the container body 1 in which the body 2 and the mouth 3 are bonded to each other is attached to the flange 4 by the film member 9.
Is sent to the step of bonding. In this step, the film member 9 is detachably fixed to the flange 4 by means such as heat welding. The portion of the flange 4 to which the film member 9 is fixed is located outside the portion of the flange 4 where the groove 6 is formed. Therefore, the flange 4 and the film member 9 can be securely fixed without impairing the peelability.

Next, the shutter 8 is incorporated into the flange 4.

As described above, without increasing the manufacturing cost of the container body 1, no crack is generated between the body 2 and the mouth 3 constituting the container body 1 in cooperation with each other, and the body 2 A developer supply container can be provided in which the appearance of the external appearance is not impaired by the bonding portion between the developer supply port and the opening 3.

In the present embodiment, the body 2 is manufactured by assembling a box body which is folded in advance. Instead, a synthetic material of paper and plastic, a plastic material, or a filler is used. The body 2 can also be formed by cutting a sheet member made of a plastic material into a predetermined shape and dimensions and forming the sheet member into a wooden mold while applying heat and pressure to the sheet member.

Next, a developer supply container according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a developer supply container according to a second embodiment .

As shown in FIG. 4, the developer supply container contains a replenishing developer, and is provided with an opening 3 with a flange 4 for discharging the developer to the outside.
And a film member 12 for opening and closing the opening 3 of the container body 1.

The container body 1 is made of either a photo-degradable plastic material or a biodegradable plastic material.

Examples of photodegradable plastic materials include ethylene / carbon monoxide copolymer, vinyl ketone copolymer, photoactive graft group-introduced polymer, aromatic ketone-added polymer, metal complex sensitizer-added polymer, Ti / Zr
Complex / substituted benzophenone-added polymer, photosensitizer-added polymer, metal / antioxidant-added polymer, etc. are used.
It is preferable to use a complex / substituted benzophenone-added polymer.

As biodegradable plastic materials, polyethylene-starch copolymer, polyethylene-silane starch copolymer, polyethylene-starch / unsaturated fatty acid (or ester) copolymer, polyethylene-ester / esterified starch copolymer , Ethylene / acrylic acid copolymer / starch polymer, ethylene / acrylic acid copolymer / gelatinized polymer, polycaprolactone, polybutyric acid, bacterial esters, polysaccharides, etc., especially polyethylene silane starch copolymer It is preferable to use polycaprolactone.

The decomposition mechanism of the photodegradable plastics includes oxidative degradation due to oxidative degradation, ozonolysis of unsaturated compounds, thermal decomposition by cracking of petroleum, and radiation (photo) decomposition by generation of oxygen and hydrogen by radiolysis of water. And the like.

On the other hand, as a decomposition mechanism of the biodegradable plastic material, there are enzymatic decomposition such as saccharification of starch by amylase, and bacterial decomposition such as acetic acid fermentation of sugars by acetic acid bacteria.

After using the developer supply container, the container body 1 is discarded at a predetermined place. Since the container body 1 is made of a decomposable plastic member, it is completely disassembled after a lapse of a predetermined number of years. Therefore, there is no need to perform incineration after a crash as in the related art, and the extra energy consumption required for incineration is eliminated. Can be.

Further, a container body made of a degradable plastic of photodegradable plastic or biodegradable plastic, which has a fast decomposition rate, is completely decomposed in several years, and a container body made of a degradable plastic having a slow decomposition rate is at the latest. About 1
Since it is completely disassembled in 0 years, the occupation period of the disposal place of the container body can be shortened. The time required for natural decomposition of general plastics is several hundred years.

Further, in order to shorten the occupation time of the container body in the disposal place, the container body made of biodegradable plastic is left in a warm place or in a place where a large amount of moisture is present, so that the container body can be emptied. A method for increasing the decomposition rate can be adopted. On the other hand, when the container body is made of a photo-degradable plastic, the decomposition speed of the container body is increased by leaving the container body in a place exposed to a lot of sunlight or forcibly radiating ultraviolet rays to the container body. A method can be adopted.

In this embodiment, a rectangular parallelepiped container body is used, but a container body having another shape may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a bottle-shaped container body 13 can be used. Further, by forming the housing of the process cartridge in which the photosensitive drum, the cleaner, the charger, and the like are integrally incorporated from a decomposable plastic material, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary energy consumption for incinerating the process cartridge. .

Next, a developer supply container according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container of the third embodiment , and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view partially showing a label member used in the developer supply container of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a developer supply container for replenishing a developer to the developing device used in the image forming apparatus contains a replenishing developer and externally supplies the developer. Mouth with flange 4 (not shown)
Is provided. The container body 1 is made of coated paper having a thickness of 1.2 mm. In the upper part of the container body 1, a developer filling port 14 is provided. The diameter of the filling port 14 is 35 mm.

The filling port 14 is covered with a label-shaped ventilation member 15. As shown in FIG. 7, the ventilation member 15 is formed of a 400-mesh fiber material folded in three layers and formed in a gauze shape. For example, the ventilation member 15 is non-permeable to a developer having a particle size of about 6 μm or more, and is permeable to air. On one surface of the ventilation member 15, a hot-melt adhesive 16 is applied in a mesh shape, and the ventilation member 15 and the container body 1 are adhered with the hot-melt adhesive.

The other surface of the ventilation member 15 has the sealing member 1
7 are releasably attached. The sealing member 17 is overlapped so that one surface thereof faces the ventilation member 15, and the non-sticking adhesive 1 is attached to one surface of the sealing member 17.
8 is applied in a layered manner, and the sealing member 1 is
7 and the ventilation member 15 are adhered to each other. The peel strength of the sealing member 17 from the ventilation member 15 is 0.4 kgf.
About 0.7 kgf.

A film member 9 for covering the mouth is attached to the flange 4. The film member 9 is detachably fixed to the flange 4 by means such as heat welding.

Next, the procedure for replenishing the developer into the developer receiving container in the developer supply container will be described.

First, a developer supply container is mounted on a developer receiving container (not shown). Next, the operator peels off the film member 9. The developer in the container body 1 is supplied to the developer receiving container via the opening.

After the replenishment of the developer is completed, the container main body 1 is removed from the developer receiving container and transported to a predetermined disposal place. At the disposal place, the sealing member 17 is peeled off from the ventilation member 15. Next, the container body 1 is crushed, and the volume of the container body 1 is reduced.

When the container body 1 is crushed, the ventilation member 15
Shows a permeability to the air, a part of the air in the container body 1 is discharged to the outside from the mouth, and the other air is discharged to the outside from the filling port 14 through the ventilation member 15. A part of the developer remaining in the container body 1 along with the airflow toward the mouth is directed toward the mouth, and the other developer remaining in the container body 1 along with the airflow toward the filling port 14 is charged with the filling port. 1
Go to 4.

However, since the ventilation member 15 is impervious to the developer, the residual developer is prevented from being discharged from the filling port 14 to the outside by the ventilation member 15. The amount of the developer becomes the amount of the developer discharged from the mouth, and the scattering of the developer to the outside can be suppressed.

When the developer supply container is transported to the user or stored before use, the ventilation member 15 is covered with the seal member 17 so that moisture in the atmosphere passes through the container 15 through the ventilation member 15. Since the intrusion into the main body 1 is prevented, the developer in the container main body 1 is not deteriorated by the invading moisture or the like.

Next, the amount of the developer scattered to the outside in this embodiment is compared with the amount of the developer scattered in the comparative example, and the above-mentioned effect is confirmed.

The developer supply container as a comparative example has a container main body whose filling port is sealed with a sealing member made of a PET film having a thickness of 0.1 mm. When the container body of the comparative example is crushed, the developer in the container body is blown out from the mouth of the container body to the outside, and the amount of the developer is larger than the amount of the developer scattered in the present embodiment. Has been confirmed.

In this embodiment, the sheet is folded into three layers.
A ventilation member 15 made of a 400-mesh fiber material formed in a gauze shape is used. Alternatively, a ventilation member made of a foam material such as urethane foam or silicone foam, or a coarse paper such as filter paper is used. Alternatively, a ventilation member made of

Although the container body 1 made of coated paper is used, a paper container body having polyethylene adhered to the inner surface can be used instead. When the exterior of the container main body is torn, since the polyethylene is stuck to the inner surface of the container main body, the developer in the container main body is not discharged from the damaged portion to the outside, thereby preventing the developer from scattering to the outside. be able to. Further, when the container main body is crushed, a large crack or the like hardly occurs in the container main body, so that a large amount of the developer can be prevented from being discharged to the outside from the crack.

Next, another developer supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modification of the developer supply container of the third embodiment , and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container from a direction.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the developer supply container accommodates a replenishment developer, and is provided with an opening 3 with a flange 4 for discharging the developer to the outside. 1 is provided. The container body 1 is made of coated paper having a thickness of 1.2 mm. A developer filling port 14 is provided on the side of the container body 1. The diameter of the filling port 14 is 35 mm.

The filling port 14 is covered with a label-shaped ventilation member 19. The ventilation member 19 is made of polyurethane foam having a thickness of 0.2 mm. The ventilation member 19 is opaque to the developer and permeable to air. One surface of the ventilation member 19 is bonded to a portion around the filling port 14.

The other surface of the ventilation member 19 has the sealing member 2
0 is releasably attached. The sealing member 20 is overlapped so that one surface thereof faces the ventilation member 19, and a non-sticking adhesive (not shown) is applied on one surface of the sealing member 20 in a layered manner. The seal member 20 and the ventilation member 19 are adhered to each other with an adhesive. The peel strength of the seal member 20 from the ventilation member 19 is small enough to be peelable by the user.

At the edge of the flange 4, a bent portion 7 for forming a guide groove is provided. An edge along the longitudinal direction of the shutter 8 is inserted into the guide groove of the flange 4, and the shutter 8 is guided by the guide groove to close the mouth 3 of the container body 1 and to open the mouth 3. Will be moved between.

A film member 9 for covering the opening 3 is attached to the flange 4. The film member 9 is detachably fixed to the flange 4 by means such as heat welding.
When the film member 9 is peeled off from the flange 4,
As the film member 4 is peeled off, the shutter 8 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Next, a procedure for replenishing the developer into the developer receiving container with the developer supply container will be described.

After the replenishment of the developer is completed, the shutter 8 of the container body 1 is closed, and the container is transported to a predetermined disposal place. At the disposal location, the sealing member 20 is peeled off from the ventilation member 19. Next, the container body 1 is crushed, and the volume of the container body 1 is reduced.

When the container body 1 is crushed, the ventilation member 15
Shows a permeability to the air, a part of the air in the container body 1 is discharged to the outside through a slight gap between the container body 1 and the shutter 8, and the other air is ventilated from the filling port 14. The container body 1 is discharged outside through the member 19.
A part of the developer remaining in the container main body 1 along with the air flow toward the small gap between the shutter main body 1 and the shutter 8 is directed toward the above-mentioned gap, and the container main body 1 along with the air flow toward the filling port 14.
The other remaining developer inside goes to the filling port 14.

However, since the ventilation member 19 is impervious to the developer, the residual developer is prevented from being discharged from the filling port 14 to the outside by the ventilation member 19. The amount of the developer becomes the amount of the developer discharged from a slight gap between the container main body 1 and the shutter 8, and the scattering of the developer to the outside can be suppressed.
Further, since the ventilation member 19 is covered with the seal member 20 until the developer supply container is used, moisture in the atmosphere is prevented from entering the container main body 1 through the ventilation member 19. The developer in the container main body 1 is not deteriorated due to invading moisture or the like.

Next, the above-mentioned effects are confirmed by comparing the amount of the developer scattered to the outside in this embodiment with the amount of the developer scattered in the comparative example.

The developer supply container as a comparative example has a container main body whose filling port is sealed with a sealing member made of a PET film having a thickness of 0.1 mm. When the container body of the comparative example is crushed, the developer in the container body gushes out to the outside from a slight gap between the container body and the shutter, and the amount of the developer is the scattering amount of the developer in the present embodiment. It has been confirmed that the number is larger than that of.

Next, a developer supply container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the developer supply container of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing the present developer supply container of FIG. 10, and FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing a container main body used for the developer supply container of FIG. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a container main body used in the developer supply container of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the developer supply container contains a replenishing developer and is provided with an opening 23 with a flange 24 for discharging the developer to the outside. 21.

The container body 21 is made of paper material such as compression-molded paper, corrugated cardboard, hardboard paper used for car interiors, and culp used for containers for retort foods. The container body 21 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, the upper portion 31 of the container body 21, a pair of side portions 32 and 33 facing each other, and a pair of overhang portions 34 and 35.
, And second bent bodies 41 and 42 forming the other side portions 37 and 38 and the overhanging portions 39 and 40 of the container body 21, respectively.

The upper edge of the side portion 32 is integrally connected to one of the edges along the longitudinal direction of the upper portion 31 formed by the first bent body 36, and the side portion 32 is directed obliquely downward with respect to the upper portion 31. Bent. The upper edge of the side portion 33 is integrally connected to the other of the edges along the longitudinal direction of the upper portion 31, and the side portion 33
Is bent obliquely downward with respect to the upper part 31. A projecting portion 34 is integrally connected to the lower end edge of the side portion 32, and the projecting portion 34 is bent outward and horizontally with respect to the side portion 32. An overhang portion 35 is integrally connected to the lower end edge of the side portion 33, and the overhang portion 35 is bent outward and horizontally with respect to the side portion 33.

A side edge of the reinforcing side portion 37a is integrally connected to one side edge of the side portion 37 formed by the second bent body 41,
The reinforcing side portion 37a is bent inward with respect to the side portion 37. The other side edge of the side portion 37 has a reinforcing side portion 37b.
Are integrally connected, and the reinforcing side portion 37b is bent inward with respect to the side portion 37. An overhang portion 39 is integrally connected to the lower end edge of the side portion 37, and the overhang portion 39 is bent outward and horizontally with respect to the side portion 37. The side portion 37 is provided with a developer filling port 37c.

One of the side edges of the side portion 38 formed by the second bent body 42 has a reinforcing side bent inward with respect to the side portion 38, like the second bent body 41. A portion 38a is provided, and a reinforcing side portion 38b that is bent inward with respect to the side portion 38 is provided on the other side edge of the side portion 38. At the lower end edge of the side portion 38, an overhang portion 40 is provided which is bent outward in a horizontal direction with respect to the side portion 38.

The side edge of the reinforcing side portion 37a of the second bent body 41 and the side edge of the reinforcing side portion 38a of the second bent body 42 are abutted with each other and bonded with an adhesive. The side edge of the side portion 37b and the side edge of the reinforcing side portion 38b abut against each other and are bonded with an adhesive.

The first bent member 36 is superimposed on the second bent members 41 and 42 adhered to each other, and the portion of the first bent member 36 and the corresponding second bent member 41 are overlapped. , 42
Are bonded to each other. For example, reinforcement side 3
The outer surface of 7a and the outer surface of the reinforcing side portion 38a are bonded to the inner surface of the side portion 32 of the first bent body 36. Reinforced side 37
The outer surface of b and the outer surface of the reinforcing side portion 38b are bonded to the inner surface of the side portion 33. Since the rigidity of the container body 21 is increased by bonding the respective side parts 32, 33 to the corresponding reinforcing side parts 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, when the user grips the container body 21, the rigidity of the container body 21 is increased. A feeling of sex can be obtained.

In order to facilitate the automation of the production and to reduce the production cost, the above-mentioned paper material is cut or extracted in accordance with the development of the container body 21 by a so-called folding type (taper box type). It is preferred to make 21. In addition, in order to enhance the discharging property of the developer, it is preferable to increase the smoothness of the inner surface of the container body 1 by coating the inner surface of the container body 21 with a resin.
Furthermore, it is preferable to laminate a polyethylene film or the like in order to enhance the moisture resistance. Further, it is preferable to coat the outer surface of the container body 21 with a resin in order to make it difficult for the developer scattered when the developer is filled to adhere to the outer surface of the container body 21.

The filling port 37c of the container body 21 is sealed with a seal member 25, and the seal member 25 is fixed to the side portion 37.

The overhang portions 34, 35, 3 of the container body 21
A reinforcing plate 26 for reinforcing the rigidity is bonded to the reinforcing plates 9 and 40, and the reinforcing plate 26 and each of the overhang portions 34, 35, 3
9 and 40 cooperate with one another to form the flange 24.
The reinforcing plate 26 is made of a paper material such as compression molded paper, hardboard paper, or fiber-containing reinforced carp.

The mouth 23 of the container body 21 is covered with a film member 27. A portion 27a along the edge of the film member 27 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 26 by thermal welding. The film member 27 is formed with a half-cut portion 28 intermittently defining a region facing the mouth portion 23. The film member 27 is made of a paper material, and the paper material contains fibers. Instead of the above-mentioned paper material, a synthetic paper in which a nylon resin, a urethane resin, or the like is mixed with the paper at a ratio of several percent to ten and several percent can be used.

The half-cut portion 28 of the film member 27
A tape member 29 for cutting the half-cut portion 28 is fixed to a region surrounded by. The end of the tape member 29 and the joint of the film member 27 are joined by heat welding.

Next, a procedure for supplying the developer to the developer receiving container by the developer supply container will be described.

First, the developer supply container is mounted on a developer receiving container (not shown). Next, the half-cut portion 28 of the film member 27 is cut by the operator pulling the tape member 29, and the portion of the film member 27 facing the opening 23 is opened. Therefore, the operation for opening the film member 27 can be easily and reliably performed. With the opening of the film member 27, the developer container 21
The developer inside is supplied to the developer receiving container via the opening 23.

After the replenishment of the developer is completed, the container main body 21 is removed from the developer receiving container and transported to a predetermined disposal place. Since the container body 21 is made of a paper material, the volume of the container body 21 is reduced by folding the container body 21. Therefore, the space occupied by the container body 21 in the disposal place is reduced. In addition, since the weight of the container body 21 is smaller than the weight of the container body made of a plastic material, the number of the container bodies 21 that can be carried by one transportation increases,
Transportation costs associated with disposal can be reduced.

When the container body 21 is incinerated, the container body 21
Since the film member 27 is made of paper, the incineration temperature of the container body 21 and the like is lower than the incineration temperature of the plastic container, so that the load on the incineration equipment is reduced and the life of the incineration equipment can be prevented from being shortened. it can. Further, generation of toxic gas generated from the plastic material at the time of incineration can be eliminated. Further, the container body 2
By incinerating only 1, it is possible to recover heat energy corresponding to a case where about half of the weight of the container body 21 is burned with petroleum energy. For example, weight 2
When the container body 21 for tons is incinerated, petroleum energy 1
Thermal energy equivalent to tons is obtained, and a large amount of thermal energy can be recovered.

In the present embodiment, the film member 27 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 26 of the flange 24. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. The film member 27 can be fixed by being sandwiched between the reinforcing plates 26, 34, 35, 39, and 40. In this embodiment, the tape member 29 is fixed to the film member 27. Alternatively, a band-like portion may be formed at the end of the film member 27, and the band-like portion may be used as a tape member. it can.

FIG. 16 shows another developer supply container.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the developer supply container of the fourth embodiment .

The developer supply container is, as shown in FIG.
The container main body 51 is provided with an opening (not shown) having a flange 24 for accommodating a replenishing developer and discharging the developer to the outside.

The container body 51 is formed in a taper box type in which a paper material such as a culp is cut into a predetermined shape, and the cut portion is assembled by a folding operation or the like.
For example, a joint 54 for joining the side 52 and the side 53 and a joint 56 for joining the side 52 and the side 55 are bent so as to face the outer surface of the side 52, thereby forming a container. No step is formed on the inner surface of the main body 51,
It is possible to prevent the discharge property of the developer from being impaired. Similarly, the side 53 and the side 57 are joined at a joint (not shown), and the side 55 and the side 57 are joined at a joint (not shown).

The flange 24 is provided on each side 52, 53, 5
Overhangs 58, 5 integrally connected to each of 5, 5
9, 60 and 61. The overhang portion 59 is composed of a pair of portions 59 that are overlapped so as to face each other.
a, 59b, and one portion 59a is
9b. Like the overhang portion 59, the overhang portion 60 includes a pair of portions 60a and 60b that are overlapped so as to face each other. Each overhang 58,
Reference numeral 61 includes a pair of portions (not shown) that are overlapped so as to face each other.

At the side of the container body 51, a filling port (not shown) for filling the developer is provided.

A film member (not shown) that covers the mouth is detachably fixed to the flange 24 of the container body 51.

As described above, the container body 5 is disposed at the disposal place.
The space occupied by 1 can be reduced. When performing incineration, shortening the life of the incineration equipment can be suppressed by incinerating only the container body 51, the generation of toxic gas generated from plastic material can be eliminated, and the weight of the container body 51 can be further reduced. Can be recovered, corresponding to the case where about 1/2 of the petroleum energy is burned.

Next, still another developer supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view showing still another modified example of the developer supply container of the fourth embodiment , and FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an open state of a shutter of the developer supply container of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the developer supply container accommodates a replenishment developer and is provided with an opening 23 with a flange 24 for discharging the developer to the outside. 21.

The container body 21 is made of paper such as culp. One of the edges along the longitudinal direction of the upper part 31 has a side part 32.
The upper edge is integrally connected, and the upper edge of the side portion 33 is integrally connected to the other of the edges along the longitudinal direction of the upper portion 31. A projecting portion 34 is integrally connected to the lower end edge of the side portion 32,
A projecting portion 35 is integrally connected to the lower edge of 3.

A reinforcing side portion (not shown) is integrally connected to one of the side edges of the side portion 37, and a reinforcing side portion (not shown) is integrally connected to the other of the side edges of the side portion 37. . An overhang portion 39 is provided at a lower end edge of the side portion 37. The side portion 37 is provided with a developer filling port 37c.

As in the case of the side portion 37, a reinforcing side portion 38a is provided on one side edge of the side portion 38, and a reinforcing side portion 38b is provided on the other side edge of the side portion 37. An overhang portion 40 is provided at the lower end edge of the side portion 38.

One side edge of the reinforcing side portion connected to the side portion 37 and the side edge of the reinforcing side portion 38a are adhered by an adhesive, and
The side edge of the other reinforcing side portion and the side edge of the reinforcing side portion 38b are bonded with an adhesive. The outer surface of the one reinforcing side portion and the outer surface of the reinforcing side portion 38a are bonded to the inner surface of the side portion 32. The outer surface of the other reinforcing side and the outer surface of the reinforcing side 38 b are bonded to the inner surface of the side 33.

The filling port 37c of the container body 21 is sealed with a seal member 25, and the seal member 25 is fixed to the side portion 37.

The overhang portions 34, 35, 3 of the container body 21
A reinforcing plate 62 is bonded to 9 and 40, and a reinforcing plate 26 is bonded to the reinforcing plate 62. Reinforcement plates 26, 62
And the overhang portions 34, 35, 39, 40 cooperate with each other to form the flange 24 provided with the guide portion. The reinforcing plate 26 is made of a paper material.

The mouth 23 of the container body 21 is covered with a film member 27 provided with a half cut portion (not shown). The ends of the film member 27 are detachably fixed to the overhang portions 34, 35, 39, 40 by thermal welding.

A plate-shaped shutter 63 is mounted on the guide of the flange 24 so as to face the opening 23.
The shutter 63 is made of a paper material, like the container body 21. When the shutter 63 is pulled out from the guide portion of the flange 24 to the outside, the half cut portion of the film member 27 is cut off with the pulling operation of the shutter 63, and the portion of the film member 27 facing the opening 23 is opened.

Next, the procedure for replenishing the developer with the developer supply container to the developer receiving container will be described.

First, a developer supply container is mounted on a developer receiving container (not shown). Next, the half-cut portion of the film member 27 is cut by the operator pulling out the shutter 63 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
The mouth 23 is opened. With the opening of the opening 23, the developer in the developer container 21 is supplied to the developer receiving container.

After the replenishment of the developer is completed, the container main body 21 is removed from the developer receiving container and transported to a predetermined disposal place. Since the container body 21 is made of a paper material, the volume of the container body 21 is reduced by folding the container body 21. Therefore, the space occupied by the container body 21 in the disposal place is reduced. Further, the container body 21 and the shutter 6
Since the container body 3 is made of a paper material, the weight of the container body 21 is smaller than the weight of the container body made of a plastic material. Expenses can be saved.

When the incineration process is performed, the incineration temperature of the container body 21 and the shutter 63 is lower than the incineration temperature of the plastic parts, so that the load on the incineration equipment is reduced and the life of the incineration equipment can be suppressed from being shortened. . Further, generation of toxic gas generated from the plastic material at the time of incineration can be eliminated. Further, the container body 2
By incinerating only 1, it is possible to recover heat energy corresponding to a case where about half of the weight of the container body 21 is burned with petroleum energy.

[0126]

[0127]

According to the developer supply container of the first invention of the instant application, according to the invention, incinerated because the container body is broken spontaneously within a period of several years in its disposal place, the conventional the container body as after Kurrashu disposal is no need to, to eliminate the excess energy applied to the incineration, and incineration
The adverse effect of contamination can also be avoided. Furthermore, in the first invention of the present application,
According to the container body is made of photodegradable plastic material
Compared to using biodegradable plastic material
To improve the strength of the container body,
Choose a place with lots of light and leave it alone, or
Increasing the decomposition rate by forcibly irradiating rays
Can also.

According to the developer supply container of the second invention of the present application,
Don't use expensive molds like mold molds
Therefore, the production cost is reduced. Further, by providing the joint, the strength of the container body can be improved, and the joint can be provided outside the container body.
Since it is located on the surface, no step is formed on the inner surface and the developer is discharged.
It is possible to prevent the output performance from being impaired .

[0129]

[0130]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the developer supply device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a joint state of a body part and a flange of a mouth part of the developer supply container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a developer supply container according to a second embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another container main body used for the developer supply container of the second embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a developer supply container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a longitudinal sectional view partially showing a label member used in the developer supply container of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the developer supply container of the third embodiment of the present application.

9 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container from a direction A in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the developer supply container of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing the present agent supply container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing a container main body used in the developer supply container of FIG.

14 is an exploded perspective view showing a container main body used for the developer supply container of FIG.

15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the fixing between the film member and the flange used in the developer supply container of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a modification of the developer supply container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing still another modified example of the developer supply container of the fourth embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an opened state of a shutter of the developer supply container in FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,13,21,51 Container main body 2 Body 2a, 14,37c Filling port 3,23 Port 4,24 Flange 5 Neck 6 Groove 8,63 Shutter 9,12,27 Film member 10,17,20,25 Seal member 15, 19 Ventilation member 16 Hot melt adhesive 18 Non-stick adhesive

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-148073 (JP, A) JP-A-2-67109 (JP, A) JP-A-1-156780 (JP, A) 144650 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Showa 57-136953 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/08 B65D 1/00-1/48

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A housing the developer for replenishing the developer receiving container, the mouth portion for discharging the developer to the outside provided
A container body being, releasably mouth portion of the container body
In the developer supply container and a film member for sealing the developer supply container, characterized in that at least the container body is made of a photodegradable plastics material. 2. A developer supply container comprising a container main body having a container for accommodating a developer to be supplied to a developer receiving container and having an opening for discharging the developer to the outside,
The container body is folded into a box shape, and the container body is
Has a joint portion for joining the other surface adjacent to the one surface of the container main body, the joint portion is not the container main body is bent so as to be provided on the outer surface of the container body <br A developer supply container.