JP3755839B2 - Toner container manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a toner container used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
First, a conventional color laser printer will be outlined based on the sectional view of FIG.
[0003]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 105 denotes a rotary developing device, and the rotary developing device 105 includes developing units 105M, 105C, 105Y, and 105B each including magenta, cyan, yellow, and black toners. These four color developing devices 105M, 105C, 105Y, and 105B are rotatably arranged with respect to the shaft 105e, and their centers rotate in conjunction with the rotating gears arranged on the outer periphery of the revolving gear. That posture is kept constant.
[0004]
Thus, when forming an image, the developing units (105M, 105C, 105Y, and 105B) of colors corresponding to the latent images are stopped at positions facing the image carrier 104, and further, the developing roller 105b is moved to the image carrier. It is positioned so as to face the surface 104 through a minute gap.
[0005]
At the time of development, the developing roller 105b receives bias application and rotational driving to develop the latent image on the image carrier 104 and visualize it as a toner image.
[0006]
By the way, the supply roller 105a is rubbed against the developing roller 105b disposed in each of the developing devices 105M, 105C, 105Y, and 105B, and each supply roller 105a scrapes off the developer that has not contributed to the development. The developing roller 105b is always supplied with fresh developer.
[0007]
Here, a conventional toner container will be described with reference to FIG.
[0008]
That is, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional toner container 140, the toner container 140 is divided into a toner container main body 141 and the toner container cap 142, the opening 143 and the toner loading opening 144 in the toner container main body 141 Is formed. The opening 143 is closed by a seal member 145 welded to the periphery thereof by a method such as heat welding so that the toner is not discharged until the user uses the toner container 140. When the seal member 145 is welded, the seal member 143 is welded to the toner container main body 141 by a welding horn (not shown) in response to the back side of the peripheral edge portion A of the opening 143.
[0009]
In addition, the toner container main body 141 incorporates a toner stirring member 146 for stirring the toner, and then the toner container lid 142 is attached to the toner container main body 141 using a method such as ultrasonic welding or vibration welding at the welding flange 147. The toner container 140 is obtained by welding to 141.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the conventional toner container 140, the size of the welding flange portion 147 must be secured to the toner container lid 142 by about 3 to 6 mm. Therefore, when the toner container 140 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, There is a problem that a space must be provided in the portion or the toner container 140 must be made smaller by that amount. .
[0011]
Further, since the welding collar portion 147 is formed on the toner container lid 142, the diameter of the toner filling port 144 formed on the side surface of the toner container main body 141 is also reduced, and the toner filling efficiency is deteriorated. The toner filling time is extended and the filling cost is affected.
[0012]
Therefore, it is conceivable to form the welding spear part 147 in the vicinity of the B part in FIG. 4. In this way, the filling port 144 can be enlarged, but in the case of the container shape as shown, the part of the C part is undercut. Therefore, there is a problem that molding cannot be performed.
[0013]
Further, the structure of the conventional toner container 140 has a problem in that the number of processes is increased, such as incorporating the stirring member 146 into the toner container main body 141 and welding the toner container lid 142, resulting in an increase in cost.
[0014]
Further, when the toner container lid 142 is welded to the toner container main body 141, it is inevitable that the toner container 140 is deformed by the welding, so that there is a problem that accuracy of the toner container 140 after welding is deteriorated.
[0015]
In addition, since the toner agitating member 146 must be incorporated after the seal member 145 for sealing the opening 143 is first welded to the toner container main body 141 or the toner container lid 142 must be ultrasonically welded, the seal member 145 is attached during the operation. There was a risk of breakage. Further, since the to prevent damage of the seal member 145, even if an attempt is welded a sealing member 145 after assembly, not receive the back side of the seal member 145 after ultrasonic welding the toner container cap 142 in container body 141, There is a problem that the seal member 145 cannot be welded to the toner container main body 141.
[0016]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a toner container manufacturing method capable of increasing the capacity and reducing the cost and preventing the seal member from being damaged. There is.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A toner container for filling toner ,
A toner filling port at least at one end;
A toner stirring member inside,
An opening,
A seal member welded to the periphery of the opening to close the opening;
A bag-like recess provided on the back side of the heat-welded portion of the seal member that has been heat-welded,
A method of manufacturing a toner container which have a,
After each of the divided pieces obtained by dividing the toner container into two parts is integrally molded, the toner stirring member is incorporated therein, and then the two divided pieces are integrated by secondary joining to obtain a toner container. insert the thermally welded received in said bag-like recess of the toner container in a state of receiving the back of the peripheral edge of the front Symbol opening in the heat welded received, characterized by heat-welding the sealing member to the peripheral edge of the opening .
[0020]
Therefore, according to the present invention, since the toner container is integrally molded, in joining by integral molding, there is no need for a flange part for receiving a joining part or applying a welding horn like ultrasonic welding. As a result, the space occupied by the toner container can be kept small, and a larger toner container can be installed in the conventional space, and the capacity of the toner container can be increased. If the capacity of the toner container is the same as that of the conventional one, the toner container can be installed in a smaller space than the conventional one, and the image forming apparatus main body can be downsized. Furthermore, since the toner container has no flange for bonding, the toner filling port can be greatly enlarged, and the toner filling time is shortened, thereby reducing the toner filling cost.
[0021]
Further, according to the present invention, because you incorporate simultaneously toner container inside the toner stirring member during integral molding of the toner container, there is no need to incorporate the toner stirring member in the assembly of the later, the toner by reducing the number of assembly steps The cost of the container can be reduced.
[0022]
Further, according to the present invention, since the formation of the concave portion on the back side of the heat seal portion of the toner container of the seal member, when the sealing member on the periphery of the opening in the seal member for closing the opening heat sealing, the heat in the recess insert welding receiving can receive a back side of the periphery of the opening in the heat welded receive the seal member to the opening peripheral edge will be able to heat seal the end (toner filling just before), the breakage of the sealing member in the middle of assembly Can be prevented.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
First, the overall configuration of the color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be outlined. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a color laser printer which is an embodiment of a color image forming apparatus.
[0025]
The color laser printer shown in FIG. 2 has an image forming section composed of an image carrier 15 rotating at a constant speed, a fixed black developing device 21B, and three rotatable color developing devices 20Y, 20M, and 20C. The color image developed in the image forming unit is transferred onto the transfer material 2 fed from the feeding unit, and the color image is transferred to the fixing device 25 to transfer the color image. The transfer material 2 fixed on the material 2 and fixed on the color image is discharged to a discharge portion 37 on the upper surface of the apparatus by discharge rollers 34 to 36. The rotatable color developing devices 20Y, 20M, and 20C and the fixed black developing device 21B are configured to be detachable from the printer body.
[0026]
Next, the configuration of each part of the color laser printer will be sequentially described in detail.
[0027]
[Image carrier unit]
The image carrier unit 13 is integrally configured to include an image carrier (photosensitive drum) 15 and a cleaner container 14 that also serves as a holder for the image carrier 15. The image carrier unit 13 is detachably supported with respect to the printer main body, and can be easily replaced according to the life of the image carrier 15.
[0028]
The image carrier 15 according to the present embodiment is configured by applying an organic photoconductor layer to the outside of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 62 mm, and this is rotatable to a cleaner container 14 that also serves as a holder for the image carrier 15. It is supported by. A cleaner blade 16 and a primary charging means 17 are disposed on the circumference of the image carrier 15, and by transmitting the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) to one end on the back side of the paper surface of FIG. The image carrier 15 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow (counterclockwise) in accordance with the image forming operation.
[0029]
[Charging means]
The primary charging means 17 employs a contact charging method, and a surface of the image carrier 15 is made uniform by bringing a conductive roller into contact with the image carrier 15 and applying a voltage to the conductive roller. To be charged.
[0030]
[Exposure means]
The image carrier 15 is exposed from the scanner unit 30. That is, when an image signal is applied to the laser diode, the laser diode irradiates the polygon mirror 31 with image light corresponding to the image signal.
[0031]
The polygon mirror 31 is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor, and the image light reflected by the polygon mirror 31 selectively exposes the surface of the image carrier 15 rotating at a constant speed via the imaging lens 32 and the reflection mirror 33. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier 15.
[0032]
[Development means]
The developing means includes three rotating developing units 20Y, 20M, and 20C and one black developing unit capable of developing each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black in order to visualize the electrostatic latent image. 21B.
[0033]
The black developing device 21B is a fixed developing device, and in the black developing device 21B, a sleeve 21BS is disposed at a position facing the image carrier 15 with a minute interval (about 300 μm) with respect to the image carrier 15. The black developing unit 21B forms a visible image with black toner on the image carrier 15.
[0034]
Each of the three rotary developing devices 20Y, 20M, and 20C contains toner equivalent to 6000 pages (A4 size 5% printing), and these are respectively detachably held by a developing rotary that rotates about the shaft 22. Yes.
[0035]
Thus, at the time of image formation, the rotary developing devices 20Y, 20M, and 20C are rotated around the shaft 22 while being held by the developing rotary 23, and the predetermined developing devices (20Y, 20M, and 20C) are imaged. After being stationary at a position corresponding to the carrier 15 and further being positioned so that the developing sleeve (20YS, 20MS, 20CS) faces the image carrier 15 with a minute gap (about 300 μm), the image carrier 15 A visible image is formed corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. During color image formation, the developing rotary 23 rotates every rotation of the intermediate transfer member 9, and the developing process is performed in the order of the yellow developing device 20Y, the magenta developing device 20M, the cyan developing device 20C, and then the black developing device 21B. Is done.
[0036]
For example, in a state where the yellow rotary developing device 20Y is positioned at a position corresponding to the image carrier 15 and is stationary, the toner in a toner container 40 (see FIG. 1) described later of the rotary developing device 20Y is fed by a feeding mechanism. Is applied to the coating roller 20YR and is applied to the outer periphery of the developing roller 20YS rotating in the clockwise direction in the drawing by the coating roller 20YR rotating in the clockwise direction in the drawing and the blade 20YB pressed against the outer periphery of the developing roller 20YS. Is imparted (friction charging).
[0037]
Thus, toner development is performed on the image carrier 15 according to the latent image by applying a developing bias to the developing roller 20YS facing the image carrier 15 on which the latent image is formed. The magenta developing device 20M and the cyan developing device 20C are also subjected to toner development by the same mechanism as described above.
[0038]
The developing rollers 20YS, 20MS, and 20CS of the rotary developing units 20Y, 20M, and 20C include a high-voltage power supply for development provided in the printer body when the developing units 20Y, 20M, and 20C are rotated to the developing position. Connected to the drive, a voltage is selectively applied sequentially for each color development, and the drive is connected.
[0039]
Here, the toner containers 40 of the rotary developing devices 20Y, 20M, and 20C will be described with reference to FIG.
[0040]
1 is a perspective view of a toner container 40 according to the present invention, and the toner container 40 is obtained by integral molding. In general, since the joint portion can be freely set in the integral molding, for example, in the present embodiment, the D portion indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is used as the joint portion.
[0041]
Thus, in joining by integral molding, there is no need for a flaw for receiving a joining portion or applying a welding horn like ultrasonic welding, so that the space occupied by the toner container 40 is reduced accordingly. . Therefore, a larger toner container 40 can be installed in the existing space, and the capacity of the toner container 40 can be increased. If the capacity of the toner container 40 is the same as that of the conventional one, the toner container 40 can be installed in a smaller space than the conventional one, and the size of the printer main body can be reduced. Further, since there is no flange for welding, and when the toner container 40 is molded, the toner filling port 44 is avoided and joined, so that the toner filling port 44 can be greatly enlarged and the toner filling time is shortened. Thus, the toner filling cost is reduced.
[0042]
In addition, when the toner container 40 is integrally formed, the toner agitating member 46 is incorporated before the secondary joint molding by incorporating the toner agitating member 46 by a robot or insert molding when the primary molding is changed to the secondary joint molding. In addition, since it is not necessary to incorporate the toner agitating member 46 later in assembly, the number of assembling steps can be reduced and the cost of the toner container 40 can be reduced.
[0043]
Further, since the bag-like recesses 48 are formed at two positions on the back side of the welded portion of the seal member 45 of the toner container 40, when the seal member 45 that closes the opening 43 is thermally welded to the periphery of the opening 43, the recess 48 is formed. Since the back of the peripheral edge of the opening 43 can be received by inserting the heat welding receiver (not shown) into the heat sealing receiver, the seal member 45 can be finally heat welded to the peripheral edge of the opening 43, and the seal during assembly The damage of the member 45 can be prevented.
[0044]
[Intermediate transfer member]
The intermediate transfer body 9 performs four times (each of four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) of the toner image on the image carrier 15 visualized by the developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 21B during the color image forming operation. The image is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure (clockwise) in synchronization with the outer peripheral speed of the image carrier 15, and the intermediate transfer member 9 that has received the multiple transfer is applied with a voltage. The transfer material 2 is sandwiched between the rollers 10 and conveyed, whereby the respective color toner images transferred thereto are simultaneously transferred onto the transfer material 2.
[0045]
The intermediate transfer member 9 according to the present embodiment is configured by covering the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder 12 having a diameter of 186 mm with an elastic layer 11 such as a medium resistance sponge or medium resistance rubber. The intermediate transfer member 9 is rotatably supported, and is rotated by being driven by a gear (not shown) fixed integrally therewith.
[0046]
[Cleaning means]
The cleaning unit cleans the toner remaining on the image carrier 15 after the toner image visualized on the image carrier 15 by the developing unit is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 9, and the cleaned waste. The toner is stored in the cleaner container 14. The amount of waste toner stored in the cleaner container 14 does not fill the cleaner container 14 earlier than the life of the image carrier 15, and therefore the cleaner container 14 is replaced integrally at the same time when the life of the image carrier 15 is replaced. Is done.
[0047]
[Paper Feeder]
The paper feed unit feeds the transfer material 2 to the image forming unit. The cassette 1 stores a plurality of transfer materials 2, the paper feed roller 3, the feed roller 4, and the retard roller 5 for preventing double feed. , A paper feed guide 6, a transport roller 7, a registration roller 8, and the like.
[0048]
Thus, at the time of image formation, the paper feed roller 3 is rotationally driven according to the image forming operation, and the paper feed roller 3 separates and feeds the transfer material 2 in the cassette 1 one by one. Then, the transfer material 2 is guided by the paper feed guide 6 and reaches the registration roller 8 via the conveyance roller 7. During the image forming operation, the registration roller 8 performs a non-rotating operation for allowing the transfer material 2 to stand still and a rotating operation for conveying the transfer material 2 toward the intermediate transfer body 9 in a predetermined sequence, and is the next step. The image and the transfer material 2 in the transfer process are aligned.
[0049]
[Transfer section]
The transfer section is constituted by a swingable transfer roller 10, which is configured by winding a metal shaft with a medium resistance foamed elastic body, and can move in the vertical direction in the figure, and is rotated by being driven. To do.
[0050]
By the way, while the toner image of four colors is formed on the intermediate transfer member 9, that is, while the intermediate transfer member 9 rotates a plurality of times, the image is transferred as indicated by a solid line in the figure so as not to disturb the image. The roller 10 is positioned below and separated from the intermediate transfer member 9.
[0051]
Thus, after the four color toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer member 9, the transfer roller 10 is shown by a chain line in the drawing by a cam member (not shown) in accordance with the timing of transferring the color image to the transfer material 2. It is moved to the upper position shown, and is pressed against the intermediate transfer member 9 through the transfer material 2 with a predetermined pressure. At this time, a bias is simultaneously applied to the transfer roller 10, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 9 is transferred to the transfer material 2.
[0052]
Here, since the intermediate transfer body 9 and the transfer roller 10 are respectively driven, the transfer material 2 sandwiched between the two is transported at a predetermined speed in the left direction of FIG. 2 at the same time as the transfer process is performed. And sent to the fixing device 25 where the next process is performed.
[0053]
[Fixing part]
The fixing device 25 fixes the toner image transferred onto the transfer material 2 onto the transfer material 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a fixing roller 26 for applying heat to the transfer material 2 and the transfer material 2. And a pressure roller 27 for bringing the toner into pressure contact with the fixing roller 26. Each of the rollers 26 and 27 is a hollow roller, and heaters 28 and 29 are built in each of the rollers 26 and 27. Is driven to rotate and conveys the transfer material 2. Accordingly, the transfer material 2 carrying the toner image is conveyed by the fixing roller 26 and the pressure roller 27, and receives the fixing of the toner image by applying heat and pressure.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, since the toner container is integrally molded, in joining by integral molding, a joining portion is received like ultrasonic welding, or a welding horn is applied. Therefore, the space for the toner container is reduced, and a larger toner container can be installed in the conventional space, and the capacity of the toner container can be increased. If the capacity of the toner container is the same as that of the conventional one, the toner container can be installed in a smaller space than the conventional one, and the image forming apparatus main body can be downsized. Further, since the toner container has no flange for joining, the toner filling port can be greatly enlarged, and the toner filling time can be shortened and the toner filling cost can be reduced.
[0055]
Further, according to the present invention, because you incorporate simultaneously toner container inside the toner stirring member during integral molding of the toner container, there is no need to incorporate the toner stirring member in the assembly of the later, the toner by reducing the number of assembly steps The effect that the cost reduction of a container can be aimed at is acquired.
[0056]
Further, according to the present invention, since the formation of the concave portion on the back side of the heat seal portion of the toner container of the seal member, when the sealing member on the periphery of the opening in the seal member for closing the opening heat sealing, the heat in the recess insert welding receiving can receive a back side of the periphery of the opening in the heat welded receive the seal member to the opening peripheral edge will be able to heat seal the end (toner filling just before), the breakage of the sealing member in the middle of assembly The effect that it can prevent is acquired.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner container according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a color laser printer including a toner container according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a color printer including a conventional toner container.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional toner container.
[Explanation of symbols]
40 Toner container 43 Opening 44 Toner filling port 45 Seal member 46 Toner stirring member 48 Bag-shaped recess

Claims (1)

A toner container for filling toner ,
A toner filling port at least at one end;
A toner stirring member inside,
An opening,
A seal member welded to the periphery of the opening to close the opening;
A bag-like recess provided on the back side of the heat-welded portion of the seal member that has been heat-welded,
A method of manufacturing a toner container which have a,
After each of the divided pieces obtained by dividing the toner container into two parts is integrally molded, the toner agitating member is incorporated therein, and then the two divided pieces are integrated by secondary bonding molding to obtain a toner container. insert the thermally welded received in said bag-like recess of the toner container in a state of receiving the back of the peripheral edge of the front Symbol opening in the heat welded received, characterized by heat-welding the sealing member to the peripheral edge of the opening Manufacturing method of toner container.

Images