JP5121253B2 - Powder filling apparatus, powder filling method and process cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder filling apparatus, a powder filling method, and the powder for filling a container to be filled with fine powder such as toner used in a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine or a printer. The present invention relates to a process cartridge in which powder is filled by a filling method.

  Conventionally, fine powder such as toner is filled into a powder-filled container by a screw feeder, an auger-type filling machine, free fall of the powder itself due to gravity, or means for conveying the powder using air. doing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example of a method for conveying powder using air.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which gas is introduced into powder stored in a powder supply machine to improve the fluidity of the powder, and then the powder is filled into the filling container using the pressure of the introduced gas. It is disclosed. In Patent Document 1, after the powder in the powder feeder is transported to the transport tube by the introduced pressure, the powder is supplied to the container to be filled through the transport tube, and the desired filling amount is reached. The powder conveyance is stopped by releasing the pressure in the powder feeder.

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the powder is filled into the container to be filled after increasing the fluidity of the powder stored in the powder supply machine with gas. The body was fluidized more than necessary, and it was difficult to fill the filled container with powder at a high density. Furthermore, the fluidization more than necessary required a long time for filling.

  Further, Patent Document 2 proposes a filling method in which gas is conveyed without increasing powder fluidity. In Patent Document 2, first, the measurement chamber is decompressed to quantitatively fill the measurement chamber with powder, and then pressure is introduced from the upstream side of the measurement chamber in the powder conveyance direction. A method of filling is disclosed.

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, the powder filling amount is determined by the size of the measurement chamber. For example, when filling with different filling amounts using the same apparatus, the measurement chamber itself is replaced. That is, the load becomes large. In addition, when a large amount of powder is filled, in this configuration, the filter is easily clogged with the powder to be filled at the stage of filling the measurement chamber under reduced pressure, and it is difficult to fill a predetermined amount.

  Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 disclose a configuration in which a powder to be filled is filled after degassing gas contained in the powder to increase the density of the powder.

  That is, in Patent Document 3, a hollow cylindrical container having an inner chamber and an outer chamber is filled with powder, and then air contained in the powder is discharged from a hole provided in the inner chamber, and the powder is compacted. After that, a configuration is disclosed in which the powder is filled into a flexible container to be filled below.

  In Patent Document 4, a powder filling chamber having the same filter function is filled with powder using a horizontal auger screw, deaerated with filling to increase the density of the powder, and then to a container to be filled. And a configuration for filling powder.

Furthermore, the following technique is also disclosed as a method for filling a container to be filled with powder with high density.
In Patent Document 5, the filling nozzle of the powder filling device fills the powder in a state surrounded by the powder in the filling container, so that the powder is gradually scattered upward from the bottom of the container while avoiding scattering of the powder. It is a method for expelling air, and an effective method is disclosed particularly when the filling container has a narrow and narrow shape.
In Patent Document 6, powder is filled by filling the powder while the air suction tube is raised from the state in which the air suction tube of the powder filling device is inserted into the container in advance. A method is disclosed in which gas in the body is sucked and powder is filled into a container to be filled with high density and at high speed.

JP 2002-293301 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-066211 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-226402 Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-1000048 JP 2002-337801 A JP-A-08-198203

An object of the present invention is to provide a powder filling apparatus and a powder filling method capable of filling powder with high density.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a powder filling apparatus and a powder filling method capable of filling powder in a short time.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic process cartridge filled with a developer by the above powder filling method.

  That is, the present invention is a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper, in which the pressure hopper discharges a powder, and a powder layer formed by at least the powder in the pressure hopper A gas introduction part located above the surface, the powder layer is formed so as to close the discharge part in the pressure hopper, and the discharge part is closed, Gas is introduced from the gas introduction part, the inside of the pressurization hopper is pressurized, and after the pressurization, the discharge part is opened, so that the discharge part is closed using pressure. The present invention relates to a powder filling apparatus characterized by discharging a powder layer and filling powder into a filling container.

  Further, the present invention is a powder filling method performed using a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper, wherein the pressure hopper discharges powder, and at least the powder in the pressure hopper A gas introduction part located above the surface of the powder layer formed by the body, the powder layer is formed so as to close the discharge part in the pressure hopper, and the discharge part is closed In such a state, gas is introduced from the gas introduction part, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized, and after the pressurization, the discharge part is opened to close the discharge part using pressure. The present invention relates to a powder filling method characterized by discharging a formed powder layer and filling a filled container with powder.

  Further, the present invention is a powder filling method for filling powder into a filling container divided into a lid and a powder container, wherein the rear end of the discharge part for feeding the powder into the filling container is a powder. It has a shape that is substantially equal to the shape required as the surface shape of the powder filled in the body storage part, and the surface shape of the powder in the powder storage part is molded into the required shape for filling. The present invention relates to a powder filling method.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a powder filling method for filling powder into a container to be filled divided into a lid and a powder container, wherein the rear end of the discharge part for feeding the powder into the container to be filled is covered. It has a shape that is substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface of the lid of the filling container, and is filled by forming the surface shape of the powder in the powder container into a shape that is substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface of the lid. The present invention relates to a powder filling method.

  The present invention further relates to an electrophotographic process cartridge filled with a developer by the above-described powder filling method.

  By using the filling apparatus and the filling method of the present invention, high-density filling can be performed in a short time.

The present invention will be described below.
1st invention is a powder filling apparatus which has a pressure hopper, Comprising: The said pressure hopper discharges | emits the powder, The powder layer formed with the powder in the said pressure hopper at least A gas introduction part located above the surface, the powder layer is formed so as to close the discharge part in the pressure hopper, and the discharge part is closed, Gas is introduced from the gas introduction part, the inside of the pressurization hopper is pressurized, and after the pressurization, the discharge part is opened, so that the discharge part is closed using pressure. The present invention relates to a powder filling apparatus characterized by discharging a powder layer and filling powder into a filling container.
In the powder filling device according to the first aspect of the invention, the powder is compressed by pressurizing the discharge part in a closed state, and then the powder having an increased density is discharged by opening the discharge part. Thus, it is possible to easily fill the filled container with a higher density.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the powder filling apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a filter that blocks air through air is provided in at least a part of a portion where the pressure hopper contacts the powder layer. The gas contained in the powder layer in the pressure hopper is degassed through the filter.
By using the powder filling apparatus of the second invention, the powder can be filled at a higher density.

Furthermore, a third aspect of the invention is that in the powder filling apparatus shown in the first aspect of the invention, an auxiliary container is provided for increasing the volume of the pressurizable space that communicates with the pressure hopper. Features.
By using the powder filling apparatus of the third invention, it becomes possible to cope with various filling amounts, and the versatility of the apparatus can be improved.

Further, a fourth invention is characterized in that, in the powder filling apparatus shown in the third invention, a filter is provided between the pressurizing hopper and the auxiliary container so as to pass air and block the powder. To do.
By using the powder filling apparatus of the fourth invention, it is possible to prevent the powder from entering the auxiliary container.

Furthermore, a fifth invention is characterized in that, in the powder filling apparatus shown in the third invention, the auxiliary container is connected to the pressure hopper above the surface of the powder layer. .
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the pressurized air in the auxiliary container can be efficiently used for conveying the powder.

Further, the sixth invention is the powder filling apparatus shown in the first invention, wherein the detecting means for detecting the filling amount of the powder filled in the filling container, and the filling amount detected by the detecting means. And control means for once again stopping the discharge of the powder from the pressure hopper when it reaches a predetermined amount, and then filling again.
In the powder filling apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the discharge of the powder from the pressure hopper is temporarily stopped, and the powder is settled after the powder is settled, so that the filling amount of the powder into the container to be filled is reduced. Control accuracy can be improved.

Furthermore, a seventh aspect of the present invention is the powder filling apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the detecting means detects a decrease in the mass of the pressure hopper so that the filling amount of the powder in the container to be filled is detected. It is characterized by detecting.
By using the powder filling device of the seventh invention, the versatility of the powder filling device can be improved, and the control accuracy of the powder filling amount can be further improved.

Further, the eighth invention is the powder filling apparatus shown in the first invention, wherein the rear end of the discharge part for feeding the powder into the filled container is the surface of the powder filled in the filled container It has the shape substantially equal to the shape calculated | required as a shape, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
The same applies to the following inventions, but the rear end portion of the discharge portion may be the rear end portion of the discharge portion of the pressure hopper itself, or connected to the discharge portion of the pressure hopper. It may be the rear end portion of the conveyance path such as a tube. Furthermore, the rear end portion includes a case where a member such as a deaeration device connected to the discharge portion or the conveyance path is included. Further, the rear end portion is an end portion on the downstream side in the powder discharging direction.
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further increase the filling amount of the powder and to suppress toner scattering and the like even when the lid is covered.

Further, the ninth invention is the powder filling apparatus shown in the first invention, wherein the rear end portion of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filled container is substantially the same as the inner surface side shape of the lid of the filled container. It has the shape equal to.
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the invention, the filling amount of the powder can be further increased. Further, since the surface of the powder layer having a shape substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface side of the lid can be obtained, even when the lid is covered, the powder layer may be roughened by the convex portion of the lid. Therefore, it is possible to perform good bonding without scattering toner on the bonding surface or the periphery.

Furthermore, a tenth aspect of the present invention is the powder filling apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the rear end portion of the discharge unit that feeds the powder into the filled container degass the filled container. It is characterized by having.
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the invention, the powder can be filled at a higher density. Moreover, scattering of the powder when the lid of the container to be filled is joined can be prevented.

Furthermore, an eleventh aspect of the invention is the powder filling apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the filling of the powder into the powder to be filled is performed while the inside of the powder container is deaerated using the deaerator. A filter having a shape substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface of the lid of the container to be filled is attached to the rear end of the discharge part for feeding the powder into the container to be filled, Degassing is performed.
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the powder can be filled at a higher density. Moreover, scattering of the powder when the lid of the container to be filled is joined can be prevented.

Furthermore, a twelfth aspect of the invention is the powder filling apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein a seal member for bringing the powder into the container to be filled is in contact with the container to be filled at the rear end of the discharge part. It is provided.
By using the powder filling apparatus of the twelfth invention, leakage of the powder being filled out of the container to be filled can be prevented.

Further, a thirteenth aspect of the invention is the powder filling apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein a storage part for storing the powder is provided between the pressure hopper and the filling container. The storage unit is configured by a storage unit filter that at least part of the wall surface passes air and blocks powder, and the storage unit transfers the powder to the container to be filled. It has the shutter which seals the storage part powder discharge port discharged.
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the powder can be filled into the filled container at a higher density. Moreover, the powder can be quickly filled. In addition, the load on the powder due to filling can be reduced while filling with high density. Moreover, generation | occurrence | production of the apparatus dirt by powder can be suppressed.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the powder filling apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a reservoir deaeration device for deaerating the interior of the reservoir via the reservoir filter is connected. .
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the powder can be filled at a higher density and in a shorter time.

Furthermore, the fifteenth invention is characterized in that, in the powder filling apparatus shown in the thirteenth invention, a reservoir air supply device for introducing gas into the reservoir via the reservoir filter is connected. To do.
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the amount of powder adhering to the reservoir filter can be reduced and the filling accuracy can be increased. Furthermore, the life of the reservoir filter can be extended. Furthermore, the ventilation performance of the reservoir filter can be stabilized, and the filling accuracy can be stabilized until after the endurance.

Furthermore, the sixteenth aspect of the invention is the powder filling apparatus shown in the thirteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the size of the reservoir powder discharge port is larger than the powder filling port provided in the container to be filled. It is small.
By using the powder filling apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of dirt caused by the powder when filling the filling container from the reservoir.

The seventeenth invention is a powder filling method performed using a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper, wherein the pressure hopper includes a discharge portion for discharging powder, and at least inside the pressure hopper. A gas introduction portion positioned above the surface of the powder layer formed by the powder of the powder, and the powder layer is formed so as to close the discharge portion in a pressure hopper, and the discharge portion In a closed state, gas is introduced from the gas introduction part, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized, and after the pressurization, the discharge part is opened to block the discharge part using pressure. It is related with the powder filling method characterized by discharging the powder layer formed in this way and filling a filling container with the powder.
By using the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the filling container can be filled with powder at a higher density and in a shorter time.

Furthermore, an eighteenth invention is characterized in that, in the powder filling method shown in the seventeenth invention, the introduction pressure when the pressure hopper is pressurized is 10 to 150 kPa.
By using the powder filling method of the eighteenth aspect of the invention, the powder can be filled with high density in a short time.

Further, a nineteenth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein a filter that blocks air by passing air through at least a part of a portion where the pressure hopper contacts the powder layer. It is provided, and after the gas contained in the powder layer in the pressure hopper is degassed through the filter, the filling container is filled with the powder.
By using the powder filling method of the nineteenth invention, the powder can be filled at a higher density.

Furthermore, a twentieth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, wherein an auxiliary container for increasing the volume of the pressurizable space is provided in communication with the pressure hopper. Features.
By using the powder filling method of the twentieth invention, it is possible to obtain a filling method that can cope with various filling amounts, and the versatility of the filling method can be improved.

Furthermore, the twenty-first invention is the powder filling method shown in the twentieth invention, wherein an auxiliary container filter is provided between the pressure hopper and the auxiliary container to block air through the air. Features.
By using the powder filling method according to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the powder from entering the auxiliary container.

Furthermore, a twenty-second invention is characterized in that, in the powder filling method shown in the twentieth invention, the auxiliary container is connected to the pressure hopper at least above the surface of the powder layer. .
By using the powder filling method according to the 22nd aspect of the invention, the pressurized air in the auxiliary container can be efficiently used for conveying the powder.

Further, the twenty-third aspect is the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the amount of discharged powder from the discharge portion is reduced or discharged at least once when the powder is discharged from the pressure hopper. And a step of stopping the operation.
In the powder filling method according to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the discharge of the powder from the pressure hopper is temporarily stopped or loosened to settle the powder, and then the filling is performed again, whereby the powder into the container to be filled is filled. The control accuracy of the filling amount can be improved.

Furthermore, a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, comprising the step of stopping the discharge of the powder from the discharge portion at least once when the powder is discharged from the pressure hopper. The time per discharge when stopping the discharge is 0.2 seconds or more.
In the powder filling method according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, the amount of powder to be filled in the container to be filled is obtained by once stopping the discharge of the powder from the pressure hopper and allowing the powder to settle, and then filling again. The control accuracy can be improved.

Furthermore, according to a 25th aspect of the invention, in the powder filling method of the 24th aspect of the invention, the timing for stopping the discharge from the pressure hopper is from 70% to 95% of the final filling amount of the filling container. % At the time of discharge.
By using the powder filling method of the twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, the accuracy of the filling amount of the powder into the filling container can be improved and the filling can be performed in a short time. When the discharge is temporarily stopped at the above timing, the degree of pressurization in the pressurization hopper is moderate, and it is easy to make a fine adjustment to a desired final filling amount.

Furthermore, the twenty-sixth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method of the seventeenth aspect, wherein the amount of powder in the pressure hopper before discharge is larger than the final filling amount of the filling container. It is characterized by.
By using the powder filling method of the twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to improve the control accuracy of the amount of powder filled into the filling container. By finally leaving the powder in the pressure hopper, the discharge port can be closed until the end of filling, and stable filling using the pressure in the pressure hopper becomes possible.

Further, the twenty-seventh aspect of the invention is the powder filling method of the seventeenth aspect, wherein the filling amount filled in the filling container is detected by measuring the mass of the pressure hopper from the beginning of filling. It is characterized by doing.
By using the powder filling method according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to improve the control accuracy of the amount of powder filled into the filling container.

Furthermore, in the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the rear end portion of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filling container is filled in the powder storage portion of the filling container. It has a shape that is substantially equal to the shape required as the surface shape of the powder, and is characterized in that the surface shape of the powder in the powder container is formed into a desired shape for filling.
By using the powder filling method according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the invention, the powder filling amount can be further increased, and toner scattering can be suppressed even when the lid is covered.
it can.

Further, the twenty-ninth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, wherein the rear end portion of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filled container is substantially the same as the inner surface side shape of the lid of the filled container. The surface shape of the powder in the powder container of the container to be filled is formed into a shape substantially equal to the shape on the inner surface side of the lid, and filling is performed.
By using the powder filling method of the 29th invention, the filling amount of the powder can be further increased. Further, since the surface of the powder layer having a shape substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface side of the lid can be obtained, even when the lid is covered, the powder layer may be roughened by the convex portion of the lid. In addition, it is possible to perform good bonding without scattering toner on the bonding surface or the periphery.

Further, the thirtieth aspect is characterized in that, in the powder filling method shown in the seventeenth aspect, the filling of the powder into the filling container is performed while the inside of the filling container is deaerated.
By using the powder filling method of the 30th invention, the powder can be filled with higher density.

Further, the thirty-first invention is the powder filling method according to the twenty-ninth invention, wherein the filling of the powder into the filling container is performed while degassing the inside of the powder container using the degassing device. A lid-shaped filter having a surface shape substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface of the lid of the filling container is attached to the rear end of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filling container. Deaeration is performed by a deaeration device through a shape filter.
By using the powder filling method of the thirty-first invention, the filling amount of the powder can be further increased.

Furthermore, a thirty-second invention relates to the powder filling method according to any one of the seventeenth to thirty-first inventions, wherein the storage part stores the powder between the pressure hopper and the filling container. The storage unit is configured by a storage unit filter that allows air to pass through and blocks the powder, and the storage unit transfers the powder to the container to be filled. And a storage unit powder discharge port for discharging the storage unit, and the storage unit powder discharge port is sealed by the shutter, and the powder is stored from the pressure hopper. The powder is filled into the part, and then the shutter is opened to fill the powder into the filling container from the storage part.
By using the powder filling method according to the thirty-second invention, the powder can be filled into the filled container at a higher density. Moreover, the powder can be quickly filled. In addition, the load on the powder due to filling can be reduced while filling with high density. Moreover, generation | occurrence | production of the apparatus dirt by powder can be suppressed.

The thirty-third invention is the powder filling method according to the thirty-second invention, wherein when the reservoir is filled with powder, the reservoir is degassed from the reservoir filter using a reservoir deaeration device. It is characterized by deaeration.
By using the powder filling method of the thirty-third invention, the powder can be filled at a higher density and in a shorter time.

Furthermore, the thirty-fourth invention is the powder filling method according to the thirty-second invention, wherein when the powder in the reservoir is filled into the filled container, the reservoir is supplied from the reservoir filter using a reservoir air supply device. A gas is sent to the inside of the storage part.
By using the powder filling method of the 34th invention, the amount of powder adhering to the reservoir filter can be reduced, and the filling accuracy can be increased. Furthermore, the life of the reservoir filter can be extended. Furthermore, the ventilation performance of the reservoir filter can be stabilized, and the filling accuracy can be stabilized until after the endurance.

Furthermore, in a powder filling method according to the thirty-second invention, the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the powder filling method according to the thirty-second aspect, wherein the reservoir powder discharge port is larger than the powder filling port provided in the container to be filled. It is small.
By using the powder filling method of the thirty-fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of dirt due to the powder when filling the filling container from the reservoir.

Further, a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the powder filling method according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the filling container removes the gas in the filling container powder filling port for powder filling and the gas in the powder container. A filling container deaeration part to be aired, and a filling container deaeration part is provided above the filling container powder filling port, and the filling container deaeration part includes: A filling container deaeration filter that allows gas to pass through and blocks powder is provided, and the filling container is filled with powder while degassing from the filling container deaeration unit. Features.
By using the powder filling method of the thirty-sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in bulk density due to powder dropping. In addition, since the container deaeration part is arranged above the powder ejection part, the deaeration is performed smoothly and the powder container is filled with a higher density of powder in a short time. be able to.

A thirty-seventh aspect is the powder filling method according to the thirty-sixth aspect, wherein the filling container powder filling port is disposed at or near the lower end in the vertical direction of the powder container of the filling container. The filling container deaeration part is arranged at the upper end in the vertical direction of the powder container or in the vicinity thereof.
By using the powder filling method of the thirty-seventh aspect of the invention, a gas having a lighter specific gravity than the toner can be efficiently and stably degassed from the powder container, and can be stably filled at a higher density.

Further, the thirty-eighth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method according to any one of the seventeenth to thirty-fifth aspects of the invention, wherein the filling container includes a powder container for containing powder and a filling container deaeration. A filling auxiliary pipe extending downward from the vertical upper side of the powder container in the posture when the filling container is filled, and the filling container deaeration part is The rear end portion of the discharge portion that is arranged vertically above the powder storage portion and feeds the powder into the container to be filled is connected to the upper end portion of the auxiliary filling tube, and the gas in the powder storage portion The powder is filled into the powder container through the filling auxiliary tube while degassing the container from the filling container deaeration unit.
By using the powder filling method according to the thirty-eighth aspect of the invention, the powder discharged from the discharge portion can be filled from below in the powder storage portion, and a higher density can be filled in a short time. In addition, by providing a filling auxiliary pipe in the powder container, it is possible to design a space for the powder filling device and to prevent powder scattering during filling.

A thirty-ninth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method according to the thirty-eighth aspect of the invention, in the connecting portion between the upper end portion of the auxiliary filling tube and the rear end portion of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filling container A hermetic seal for sealing the connecting portion is provided in at least one of the powder filling device and the container to be filled.
By using the powder filling method of the thirty-ninth aspect of the invention, the powder discharged from the discharge part can be reliably guided to the lower part of the powder storage part through the auxiliary filling pipe even during the middle to late stage of the filling. The powder can be stably filled.

The 40th invention is characterized in that, in the powder filling method shown in the 38th invention, a degassing device is provided in the filling container degassing part.
By using the powder filling method according to the 40th aspect of the invention, deaeration can be performed smoothly, and the powder container can be filled with a higher density of powder in a shorter time. In addition, the powder can be prevented from scattering during filling.

A forty-first aspect of the invention is a powder filling method for filling powder into a container to be filled divided into a lid and a powder container, wherein the rear end of the discharge part for feeding the powder into the container to be filled is provided. The surface shape is substantially equal to the shape required as the surface shape of the powder filled in the powder container, and the surface shape of the powder in the powder container is molded into the required shape and filled. It is related with the powder filling method characterized by performing.
By using the powder filling method of the forty-first aspect of the invention, the powder filling amount can be increased.

A forty-second aspect of the present invention is a powder filling method for filling powder into a filling container divided into a lid and a powder container, wherein the rear end of the discharge part for feeding the powder into the filling container is provided. And having a surface shape substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface side of the lid of the container to be filled, and forming the surface shape of the powder in the powder container into a shape substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface side of the lid. The present invention relates to a powder filling method characterized by performing filling.
By using the powder filling method of the forty-second invention, the filling amount of powder can be increased. Moreover, scattering of the powder when the lid of the container to be filled is joined can be prevented.

Further, the forty-third invention is the powder filling method shown in the forty-first or forty-second invention, wherein the powder container is filled with powder by degassing the inside of the powder container using a deaeration device. It is characterized by being performed.
By using the powder filling method according to the 43rd aspect, the powder can be filled more densely.

Furthermore, the forty-fourth aspect of the invention is the powder filling method according to the forty-second aspect of the present invention, wherein filling of the powder to be filled is performed while degassing the inside of the powder container using a deaeration device. A lid-shaped filter having a surface shape substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface of the lid of the filling container is attached to the rear end of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filling container. Deaeration is performed by a deaeration device through a shape filter.
By using the powder filling method according to the 44th aspect of the invention, the powder filling amount can be further increased.

Furthermore, the 45th invention is the powder filling method shown in the 43rd invention, wherein the deaerator is provided with one or more holes, through which the powder container for the powder is stored. Filling is performed.
By using the powder filling method of the forty-fifth aspect of the invention, the powder can be filled more densely.

Furthermore, the forty-sixth invention is characterized in that, in the powder filling method shown in the forty-first or forty-second invention, the filling of the powder is performed by conveying the powder by a gas.
By using the powder filling method according to the 46th aspect of the invention, the powder can be filled more densely.

  The 47th invention relates to an electrophotographic process cartridge filled with a developer by any one of the powder filling methods described in the 17th to 46th inventions. The electrophotographic process cartridge according to the 47th aspect of the present invention is a cartridge filled with a developer at a high density.

Example 1
Next, the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a filling apparatus system using a filling apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a powder storage container which stores a large amount of powder 4 to be filled. Below the powder storage container 1, a transport unit 2 that quantitatively transports the powder 4 is provided. The transport unit 2 is driven by the drive unit 3, and the powder stored in the powder storage container 1. The body 4 is conveyed to a pressure hopper 5 provided below.
The pressurization hopper 5 is provided with a compressor 6, a drive control device 8, a transport tube 9, a powder introduction valve 10, a pressurization valve 12, a powder discharge valve 13, an internal pressure gauge 15, and a load cell 16.

  The powder 4 conveyed from the powder storage container 1 is introduced into the pressure hopper 5 from the powder introduction port 5-1 of the pressure hopper 5 by opening the powder introduction valve 10. At this time, the conveying tube 9 is closed by the powder discharge valve 13. The load cell 16 monitors the weight of the pressure hopper 5. When a predetermined amount of powder 4 is introduced into the pressure hopper 5, the information is transmitted from the load cell 16 to the drive control device 8, and the drive control device 8. A stop signal is output from the drive means 3 to the drive means 3, and the drive means 3 is configured to stop driving.

  After a predetermined amount of the powder 4 is introduced into the pressure hopper 5, the introduction valve 10 is closed, and the inside of the pressure hopper 5 is airtight. Thereafter, the inside of the pressure hopper 5 is pressurized by opening the compressor 6 and the pressure valve 12. After that, when the pressurizing valve 12 is closed and the discharge valve 13 is opened, the powder 4 is pushed out from the powder discharge port (discharge unit) 5-2, transferred into the transfer tube 9, and powdered from the end of the transfer tube 9. The body is pushed out. By connecting the transfer tube 9 to the filling container 14, the filling container 14 can be filled with the powder 4.

The above is the basic configuration of the filling apparatus. Details of each part will be described below.
First, the pressure hopper 5 will be described.
In this embodiment, the pressure hopper 5 is made of SUS and has a cylindrical shape on the upper side and a conical shape on the lower side. The pressure hopper 5 is preferably to hold the powder of approximately 900g is the capacitance of 1500～3000Cm ^3, in the present embodiment using a pressurizing hopper capacity of 2000 cm ^3. The introduction pressure is preferably 10 to 150 kPa, more preferably 35 to 120 kPa, and particularly preferably 35 to 100 kPa. The internal pressure of the pressure hopper at the time of pressurization is a pressure obtained by adding 101.3 kPa (atmospheric pressure) to the above introduction pressure. In addition, a cylindrical powder inlet 5-1 is provided on the upper portion of the pressure hopper 5, and a powder inlet valve 10 is provided on the inside thereof. Note that the powder inlet 5-1 and the opening 1-1 of the powder storage container 1 are not connected but are separated. This is because the weight of the pressure hopper 5 is monitored by the load cell 16, and in order to accurately detect the weight, it is necessary to separate the powder inlet 5-1 and the opening 1-1. It is. When supplying the powder 4 to the pressure hopper 5, the powder introduction opening 5-1 is made thicker than the opening 1-1 in order to prevent the powder 4 from scattering from the separation portion. A part of the tip of the part 1-1 may be inserted into the powder introduction opening 5-1.

  A compressor 6 is provided on the top surface of the pressure hopper 5 via a pressure valve 12. In this embodiment, the compressor 6 is connected from the top surface of the pressure hopper 5, but when the surface of the powder layer in the pressure hopper 5 is low, the pressure hopper 5 at a position higher than the above surface. You may provide in the side.

  Further, a load cell 16 for detecting the weight of the pressure hopper 5 is provided at a lower portion of the side surface of the pressure hopper 5, and the amount of the powder 4 in the pressure hopper 5 is detected by the load cell 16.

  Further, a powder discharge opening (discharge section) 5-2 is provided at the lowermost conical shape of the pressure hopper 5, and the powder discharge opening (discharge section) 5-2 and the conveyance as a conveyance path are provided. The tube 9 is connected. As a result, the powder 4 is pushed out by the pressurized air in the pressure hopper 5 and conveyed from the powder discharge opening 5-2 to the conveyance tube. The diameter of the powder discharge opening 5-2 is substantially equal to the diameter of the powder transport tube 9 (outer diameter is about 8 mm).

Next, the configuration of the compressor 6 will be described.
The compressor 6 is a device that applies a pressure up to a set pressure to the pressurization hopper 5, and a compressor that can adjust the set pressure by an attached pressure adjusting means (not shown) is used.
The compressor 6 is connected to the top surface portion of the pressure hopper 5 through a pressure valve 12. In addition, by using humidified air as the air injected from the compressor 6, particularly in the case of a developer used in a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine or a printer, the electrostatic amount of the developer that increases with conveyance is increased. Increase can be suppressed.

Next, the configuration of the drive control device 8 will be described.
In this embodiment, the drive control device 8 controls the conveyance of the powder 4 from the powder storage container 1. That is, first, a drive start signal is sent from the drive control device 8 to the drive means 3. Then, the driving means 3 starts driving and starts conveying the powder 4 in the powder storage container 1. After that, when the powder 4 is transported and the weight in the pressure hopper 5 reaches a predetermined amount, a stop signal is sent from the drive control device 8 to the driving means 3, and the transport of the powder 4 is stopped. By this control, the weight of the powder 4 in the pressure hopper 5 is made constant to some extent, and as a result, the density of the powder 4 in the pressure hopper 5 can be made constant to some extent. By making the density constant, the accuracy of the filling amount into the filling container 14 is improved as a result. In this embodiment, the filling amount of the powder 4 in the pressure hopper 5 before filling is about 900 g, and 400 g of the powder 4 is filled in the filling container 14. The pressure introduced into the pressure hopper was 40 kPa.

Next, the load cell 16 will be described.
In this embodiment, the load cell 16 detects the weight of the pressure hopper 5, and the filling amount of the powder 4 in the pressure hopper is filled before filling, and the powder 4 in the container 14 is filled at the time of filling. The amount of filling is detected.

  At the time of filling, the load cell 16 detects the difference between the weight at the start of filling of the pressure hopper 5 and the weight at the end, and controls the filling amount. That is, when a predetermined pressure is introduced into the pressurization hopper 5, a signal is sent from the internal pressure gauge 15 to the powder discharge valve 13, the powder discharge valve 13 is opened, and filling is started. Thereafter, based on the weight difference from the initial weight of the pressure hopper 5, after the load cell 16 detects that a desired filling amount of powder is filled in the filled container 14, the load cell 16 stops at the powder discharge valve 13. A signal is sent and the powder valve 13 is closed.

  In addition, there is an advantage that the time required for filling can be shortened by filling by controlling the opening and closing of the powder discharge valve 13 once. However, in order to increase the filling accuracy, the powder is discharged from the discharge part during the filling. It is better to reduce the amount or stop the filling process. More preferably, the discharge is stopped for 0.5 seconds or more. However, from the viewpoint of shortening the time required for filling, the stop time is preferably 1.0 second or less. When filling with a method such as closing the powder valve for about 0.5 seconds before reaching the predetermined amount, and then reopening and filling the rest, the powder is settled once and the two stages after the restart Since the filling of the eyes is performed slowly at a low pressure, the filling accuracy can be improved.

  In this example, 350 g was filled in the first stage for filling 400 g of powder, and after closing for 0.5 seconds, the remaining 50 g was filled. As a result, it was possible to achieve a filling amount accuracy of 400 g ± 3 g (397 g to 403 g) that could not be achieved by one filling.

  Then, the load cell 16 detects that a predetermined amount of the powder 4 is filled, and the powder discharge valve 13 is closed. Thereafter, the powder introduction valve 10 is opened, a drive start signal is sent from the drive control device 8 to the drive means 3, and refeeding of the powder 4 from the powder storage container 1 to the pressure hopper 5 is started. The next filling is started.

Next, the configuration of the transfer tube 9 will be described.
The transfer tube 9 is connected to the discharge part of the pressure hopper 5 and serves as a transfer path for transferring the powder to the container 14 to be filled. In this embodiment, the transfer tube 9 is made of silicone resin having an inner diameter of 6 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. A tube was used. The powder 4 pushed out from the pressure hopper 5 is conveyed to the filling container 14 through the conveying tube 9. By adopting this tube, the position of the container 14 to be filled with respect to the pressure hopper 5 can be freely arranged.

Next, the configuration of the powder discharge valve 13 will be described.
The powder valve 13 is opened by a signal from the internal pressure gauge 15 and is closed by a signal from the load cell 16. The configuration of the powder valve 13 is an electromagnetic valve, which controls to close by crushing the conveying tube 9 and to open by releasing. In the present embodiment, the powder valve 13 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge opening 5-2 of the pressure hopper 5, but it may be provided on the container 14 side of the transport tube 9. In the present embodiment, the filling tube 14 is used to fill the filling container 14 with powder, but the filling container may be connected to the discharge portion of the pressure hopper 5 as it is. Good. In that case, a discharge valve is provided at the discharge portion of the pressure hopper 5 to control the pressure state in the pressure hopper and the discharge of the powder.

Next, the configuration of the filling container 14 will be described.
A portion to which the transport tube 9 is connected is provided in the filling container 14, and the powder 4 is filled into the filling container 14 from the portion. After the completion of filling, the transport tube 9 is detached from the filling container 14, and the hole used for filling the filling container 14 is sealed with a cap, another member is bonded, or a functional member such as a light guide. Is welded and sealed.

Finally, the powder 4 will be described.
Examples of the powder 4 filled by the powder filling apparatus and the powder filling method of the present invention include a developer used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In particular, it is preferably used when a non-magnetic one-component developer is filled.
The powder such as the developer preferably has at least a Kerr jetting index of 40 or more, more preferably 60 or more, and still more preferably 80 or more.

Hereinafter, a method for measuring the Kerr fluidity index and Kerr jetability index will be described.
Kerr's fluidity index and jetability index use powder tester PT-R type (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Co., Ltd.). It is measured according to the method described on the page. The specific method is as follows.
(Measurement method of car liquidity index)
The following four items are measured, and each index is calculated based on the conversion table shown in Table 1. The total value is the liquidity index.
A) Angle of repose B) Compressibility C) Spatula angle D) Cohesion

A) Angle of repose measurement method Powder is dropped on a disk having a diameter of 8 cm through a funnel, and the angle of the formed conical layer is directly measured using a protractor. In this case, the developer is supplied by placing a sieve having a mesh size of 608 μm (24 mesh) on the funnel, placing the powder thereon, adding vibration, and supplying it to the funnel.

B) Compression degree measuring method The compression degree C is calculated by the following formula.
C = [(ρ _P −ρ _A ) / ρ _P ] × 100
Here, ρ _A is a bulk density, and the developer is uniformly supplied from above through a sieve having a mesh size of 608 μm (24 mesh) into a cylindrical container having a diameter of 5.03 cm and a height of 5.03 cm, and the upper surface is ground. obtain [rho _a by weighing.
ρ _P is a tapping density. After the above ρ _A measurement, a cylindrical cap is put on, powder is added to the upper edge, and tapping with a tap height of 1.8 cm is performed 180 times. After completion, the cap is removed, the powder is ground on the upper surface of the container and weighed, and the density in this state is defined as ρ _P.

C) Spatula angle measurement method Powder set by passing a metal spatula with a width of 22 mm x length of 120 mm horizontally just above a saucer that moves up and down and passing through a sieve with an opening of 608 μm (24 mesh) To deposit. After sufficiently depositing, the pan is gently lowered, and the angle of the side surface of the powder deposited on the spatula at that time is A. Next, let B be the angle measured once again by applying an impact caused by falling a heavy cone on the arm that supports the spatula. The average value of (A) and B ((A + B) / 2) is the spatula angle.

D) Method for measuring agglomeration After measuring three kinds of sieves in the order of coarser openings, the upper, middle and lower stages are stacked, 2 g of powder is placed on the sieve, and vibration is applied with an amplitude of 1 mm. The degree of aggregation is calculated from the remaining amount on the sieve. The sieve to be used is determined by the value of bulk density. When the bulk density is less than 0.4 g / cm ³ , a sieve having an opening of 355 μm (40 mesh), 263 μm (60 mesh), and 154 μm (100 mesh) is used. When the bulk density is 0.4 g / cm ³ or more and less than 0.9 g / cm ³ , sieves having openings of 263 μm (60 mesh), 154 μm (100 mesh), and 77 μm (200 mesh) are used. When the bulk density is 0.9 g / cm ³ or more, sieves having an opening of 154 μm (100 mesh), 77 μm (200 mesh), and 43 μm (325 mesh) are used.
The vibration time T (sec) at that time is determined from the following equation.
T = 20 + {(1.6−ρ _W ) /0.016}
ρ _W = (ρ _P −ρ _A ) × (C / 100) + ρ _A
The degree of aggregation is determined by measuring the remaining amounts w1, w2, and w3 after the upper, middle, and lower vibrations, and using the following equation.
C ₀ = w1 × 100 × (1/2)
+ W2 × 100 × (1/2) × (3/5)
+ W3 × 100 × (1/2) × (1/5)

[Measurement method of car jet characteristics]
The following four items are measured, and each index is calculated based on the conversion table shown in Table 2. The total value is taken as the jet property index.
E) Fluidity F) Collapse angle G) Difference angle H) Dispersion

E) Liquidity For liquidity, an index is obtained using the liquidity index.

F) Decay angle After measuring the angle of repose, give a constant impact to the short bat on which the injected angle of repose base is placed by falling a pyramid to collapse the sedimentary layer and determine the angle of the slope after the collapse. Decay angle.

G) Difference angle The difference angle is the difference between the angle of repose and the collapse angle.

H) Dispersion As shown in FIG. 8, an amount w (10 g) of powder accumulated on the watch glass 22 by dropping 10 g of powder from a hopper installed above through a glass cylinder 21 having an inner diameter of 98 mm and a length of 344 mm at a time. g) is measured and obtained from the following formula.
Dispersity (%) = {(10−w) / 10} × 100
These physical properties are measured in an environment where the relative humidity is 50% and the temperature is 20 ° C.

  By using the powder filling apparatus shown above, the powder 4 can be filled without unnecessarily increasing the fluidity of the powder 4 in the pressure hopper 5, so that gas can be introduced from the lower side of the conventional powder layer. The powder can be conveyed in a higher density state as compared with an apparatus for introducing and filling. As a result, high-density filling and shortening of filling time are possible.

Moreover, in this structure, since the pressurization hopper 5 and the to-be-filled container 14 are connected by the conveyance tube 9, the positional relationship of the pressurization hopper 5 and the to-be-filled container 14 can be arrange | positioned freely. Furthermore, since the powder 4 is conveyed by pressurizing the inside of the pressure hopper 5, the filling container 14 can be disposed at a position higher than the pressure hopper 5.
Therefore, a more compact design is possible as the filling device, and the filling method can be arranged so that an operator can easily fill, and a filling device and a filling method that can achieve both of them can be obtained.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a filling apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 2, the powder storage container 1, the pressure hopper 5, the compressor 6, the drive control device 8, the transfer tube 9, the powder introduction valve 10, the pressure valve 12, the powder discharge valve 13, the internal pressure gauge 15, and the load cell 16. Etc. are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. As the powder 4, the same powder as described in the first embodiment can be used.
A characteristic part of the filling device according to the second embodiment is that the auxiliary container 7 and the auxiliary container valve 11 are connected to the pressure hopper 5.

The configuration of the auxiliary container 7 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary container 7 is connected to the top surface portion of the pressure hopper 5. The purpose is to prevent the powder 4 from entering the auxiliary container 7 side. When the surface of the powder layer in the pressure hopper 5 is low, the pressure hopper 5 at a position higher than the surface is used. It may be provided on the side cylindrical surface.
In addition, a filter 7-1 that allows air to pass through but does not allow powder to pass through is provided at the connecting portion of the auxiliary container 7. By providing the filter 7-1, the powder 4 can be prevented from entering the auxiliary container 7. If the powder 4 enters the auxiliary container 7 side, the powder is not conveyed to the filling container 14 and the volume of the auxiliary container 7 is reduced, which is not preferable. However, the filter 7-1 is not an essential component for the present filling device, and may not be provided. The filter is not particularly limited as long as it can separate air and powder.
Similarly, by providing the connecting portion of the auxiliary container 7 at a position that is always above the surface of the powder layer, the compressed air in the auxiliary container 7 is moved behind the powder discharge opening 5-2. It can be made to act to extrude from the side, and the function of the auxiliary container 7 can be sufficiently achieved.

In the powder filling apparatus according to the present invention, when the pressure introduced into the pressure hopper 5 is considered to be constant, the conveyance amount of the powder 4 depends on the volume of the pressure hopper 5. When the powder 4 is a developer used in a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine or a printer, the filling amount differs for each product depending on the product specifications. The auxiliary container 7 is connected to the pressure hopper 5 through the auxiliary container valve 11 in order to correspond to the product groups having different filling amounts. That is, when filling the powder 4 into a product with a large amount of filling, the auxiliary container valve 11 can be opened so that the inner volume of the auxiliary container 7 can be used. Can be bigger. Therefore, even if the introduction pressure in the pressure hopper 5 is set to be the same, the amount of the powder 4 that can be conveyed as a result can be reduced.
Moreover, if the volume of the auxiliary container 7 is variable, versatility can be further improved, and a more suitable configuration can be obtained.

Although the conveyance amount of the powder 4 can be increased by increasing the introduction pressure, the conveyance amount per hour of the powder 4 increases when the introduction pressure is significantly increased. Control becomes difficult and the accuracy of the filling amount decreases.
On the other hand, if the introduction pressure is lowered, the transport amount per hour of the powder 4 becomes too small, resulting in an increase in the filling time.
That is, in order to optimize the accuracy of the filling amount and the filling time, it is preferable to adjust the injection pressure within a certain range. In this case, if the volume of the pressure hopper 5 is not variable, the powder 4 It becomes impossible to greatly change the filling amount.
Therefore, by providing the auxiliary container 7, the volume in the pressure hopper 5 can be apparently increased, and as a result, a filling device that can cope with various filling amounts can be obtained. Accurate filling can be performed stably.

In the present embodiment, the filling amount of the powder 4 in the pressure hopper 5 before filling is set to about 900 g, and 600 g of the powder 4 is filled into the filling container 14. Further, a pressure hopper having a capacity of 2000 cm ³ was used, and an auxiliary container 7 having a capacity of 1000 cm ³ was used. The pressure introduced into the pressure hopper connected to the auxiliary container was 40 kPa. To fill 600 g of powder, 550 g was filled in the first stage, and after 0.8 seconds, the remaining 50 g was filled. As a result, a filling amount accuracy of 600 g ± 3 g (597 g to 603 g) could be achieved.

(Example 3)
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 shows an example of a filling apparatus according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 3, the powder storage container 1, the pressure hopper 5, the compressor 6, the drive control device 8, the transfer tube 9, the powder introduction valve 10, the pressure valve 12, the powder discharge valve 13, the internal pressure gauge 15, and the load cell 16 Etc. are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. As the powder 4, the same powder as described in the first embodiment can be used.

A characteristic part of the filling apparatus according to the third embodiment is that the rear end portion of the conveyance path (conveyance tube 9) connected to the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filling container is the powder of the filling container. It is formed with the deaeration apparatus 17 which has the deaeration filter which has a shape substantially equal to the shape calculated | required as the surface shape of the powder layer with which the accommodating part was filled. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a deaeration device described later is provided at the rear end of the transfer tube, and the shape of the deaeration device is the surface shape of the desired powder layer. As long as it is only for forming the surface of the powder layer, it may have no degassing mechanism. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the transport tube 9 is not necessarily connected, and the rear end portion of the discharge portion of the pressure hopper 5 may have a deaeration device as it is.
When powder filling is performed using such a powder filling apparatus, the container 14 is composed of a lid 14-1 and a powder container 14-2 (see FIG. 5).

  At the time of filling, the lid 14-1 of the container to be filled is removed, and a shape substantially equal to the shape required as the surface shape of the powder layer filled in the powder container 14-2 of the container 14 to be filled is obtained. The rear end portion that is provided is joined to the powder storage portion 14-2, and powder filling is performed.

Next, the configuration of the deaeration device 17 will be described with reference to FIG.
The deaerator 17 is composed of a deaerator frame 17-1, a powder introduction part 17-2, a lid-shaped filter (deaeration filter) 17-3 (filter recess 17-6, filter protrusion 17-7), negative It has the pressure connection part 17-4 and the deaeration packing 17-5.
The deaerator frame 17-1 has a shape along the joint between the lid 14-1 of the container 14 to be filled and the powder container 14-2. Fit from above. In addition, the deaeration packing 17-5 which makes a fitting state dense is provided in the fitting part. A negative pressure connection portion 17-4 is provided on the side opposite to the joint portion of the deaeration device frame 17-1, and this portion and a negative pressure source are connected to perform deaeration.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the powder introduction portion 17-2 is provided at one central portion, but a plurality of powder introduction portions 17-2 may be provided to improve the filling speed. Also, the end portion may be used instead of the central portion.
Further, for the lid-shaped filter 17-3, a five-layer sintered metal filter is used, and the opening is the first layer from the side in contact with the powder 4: 150 μm (100 mesh) both vertically and horizontally, and the second layer: 7.5 μm in length (2000 mesh), 10.7 μm in width (1400 mesh), 3rd layer: 150 μm (100 mesh) in both length and width, 4th layer: 1400 μm in length (12 mesh), 234 μm in width (64 mesh), 5th layer: A filter having a length of 1400 μm (12 mesh) and a width of 234 μm (64 mesh) was used. However, the configuration of the lid-shaped filter 17-3 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and any configuration that allows only gas to pass without passing through the powder 4 may be used.
By using such a deaeration device 17, the gas contained in the powder layer can be mainly degassed in the filling container 14, and as a result, the powder 4 can be filled with high density.

Next, joining of the lid 14-1 will be described with reference to FIG.
When it is detected that a predetermined amount of the powder 4 is filled in the powder container 14-2, the powder discharge valve 13 is closed to stop the discharge of the powder 4. Thereafter, the deaeration device 17 is removed from the powder container 14-2, and a separately prepared lid 14-1 and the powder container 14-2 are joined. For example, the lid 14-1 and the powder container 14-2 are joined by ultrasonic welding, which is a known means.

  Further, by using the deaeration device 17, the surface shape of the powder layer filled in the powder container 14-2 can be easily formed into a shape substantially equal to the inner surface side shape of the lid 14-1. In the case of using a lid having a concave portion or a convex portion, it is preferable to shape the surface shape of the powder layer filled in the powder storage portion 14-2. For example, when the lid 14-1 has a recess 14-1-1, the recess-shaped filter 17-3 is provided with a recess 17-6 matched to the recess so that the recess can be filled with powder. Further, it becomes possible to fill more powder. Moreover, when the cover 14-1 has the convex part 14-1-2, the cover 14-, which is the next process, is provided by providing the cover-shaped filter 17-3 with a convex part 17-7 that matches the convex part. In the step of placing 1 and joining, scattering of the powder 4 accompanying placing the lid 14-1 can be reduced. In addition, about the convex part 17-7, you may process and provide the filter 17-3, and you may provide the convex part which does not have a filter function in the deaeration frame 17-1.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration in which a recess 14-1-1 is provided at the center of the lid 14-1. Thus, in the configuration in which the lid 14-1 has the recess 14-1-1, it is difficult to sufficiently fill the recess 14-1-1. However, as in this configuration, the lid-shaped filter 17- 3 is provided with a concave portion 17-6 substantially matched with the concave portion 14-1-1 so that the powder 4 can be formed into the shape of the lid-shaped filter 17-3 by deaeration. Can be filled well.

  On the other hand, the convex part 14-1-2 is provided in the side edge part of the lid | cover 14-1. As described above, in the configuration in which the convex portion 14-1-2 is provided at the side end of the lid 14-1, in the step of attaching the lid 14-1 to the powder container 14-2, The powder 4 is pushed out by the convex portions 14-1-2, and the powder 4 is likely to be scattered. However, by providing the degassing device 17 with a convex shape 17-7 that matches the lid 14-1, the portion of the powder 4 corresponding to the convex portion 14-1-2 of the lid 14-1 can be removed in advance. As a result, scattering of the powder 4 can be reduced.

  That is, the powder 4 can be prevented from being wasted by reducing the scattering of the powder 4, and further, the powder 4 can be prevented from being caught in the joint between the lid 14-1 and the powder container 14-2. As a result, the stability of adhesion between the lid 14-1 and the powder container 14-2 can be improved.

In this embodiment, the negative pressure of the negative pressure source is preferably about −5 to −10 kPa. By performing the deaeration process using the deaerator 17, the powder filling amount per unit volume could be improved from 0.35 g / cm ³ to 0.50 g / cm ³ . That is, in the filled container having a volume of 1000 cm ³ , the powder filling amount could be increased from 350 g to 500 g.

Example 4
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the filling device of the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 6, the powder storage container 1, the pressure hopper 5, the compressor 6, the transfer tube 9, the powder introduction valve 10, the pressure valve 12, the powder discharge valve 13, the internal pressure gauge 15, the load cell 16, and the like are shown in the first embodiment. Since it is the same structure as FIG. As the powder 4, the same powder as described in the first embodiment can be used.
A characteristic part of the filling device according to the fourth embodiment is that a deaeration device 18 is provided on the peripheral surface of the lower conical portion of the pressure hopper 5.

The configuration of the deaeration device 18 will be described with reference to FIG.
The deaeration device 18 includes a deaeration device frame 18-1, a filter (deaeration filter) 18-2, a negative pressure connection 18-3, and a deaeration valve 18-4.
In this example, a five-layer sintered metal filter similar to the filter of the deaeration device 17 described in Example 3 was used as the deaeration filter 18-2, but the configuration of this filter is also the above configuration. It is not limited. The degassing filter 18-2 may be any filter that can pass only gas without passing through the powder 4.
The deaeration valve 18-4 is not particularly limited as long as it can ensure an airtight state, and a pinch valve is used in this embodiment.

Next, a filling method using this apparatus will be described.
The powder 4 stored in the powder storage container 1 is transported by the transport means 2 to a pressure hopper 5 provided below. After a predetermined amount of the powder 4 is conveyed into the pressure hopper 5, the deaeration valve 18-4 is opened, and the powder 4 in the pressure hopper 5 is deaerated. Note that the timing of deaeration may be performed when the powder 4 is conveyed to the pressure hopper 5.
After deaeration for a predetermined time, the deaeration valve 18-4 and the powder introduction valve 10 are closed, and the inside of the pressure hopper 5 becomes airtight, and then the inside of the pressure hopper 5 is added by the compressor 6 and the pressure valve 12. Pressed. When the internal pressure gauge 15 detects that the inside of the pressure hopper 5 has reached a predetermined pressure, a signal is sent to the powder discharge valve 13, the powder discharge valve 13 is opened, and filling of the powder 4 is started. Is done.
Since the subsequent control is the same as in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
When the deaeration device 18 described above is used, it is preferable to perform deaeration at a pressure of about −5 to −10 kPa.

In the present embodiment, after carrying out the deaeration process at −10 kPa using the deaeration device 18, an introduction pressure of 40 kPa is applied to the pressure hopper, and filling is performed in the same manner as in Example 1, thereby carrying the transfer tube 9. the apparent bulk density of the powder discharged from, can be improved from the apparent bulk density of 0.35 g / cm ³ in the case of not performing degassing treatment to 0.40 g / cm ^3.

(Example 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a filling apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 9, the powder storage container 1, the pressure hopper 5, the compressor 6, the drive control device 8, the transfer tube 9, the powder introduction valve 10, the pressure valve 12, the powder discharge valve 13, the internal pressure gauge 15, and the load cell 16. Etc. are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. The powder 4 may be the same as that described in the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, a magnetic one-component toner is used.
A characteristic part of the filling apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is that a storage part for storing the powder is provided between the pressure hopper and the container to be filled.

Next, the configuration of the storage unit 19 will be described.
The storage unit 19 includes a storage unit frame 19-1, a storage unit filter 19-2, a connection unit 19-3, a shutter 19-4, and a storage unit powder discharge port 19-5. The reservoir 19 has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter of 100 mm, and the reservoir powder discharge port 19-5 has an inner diameter of 100 mm. On the other hand, the corresponding filled container 14 has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter of 120 mm.
In this example, a five-layer sintered metal filter similar to the filter of the deaeration device 17 described in Example 3 was used as the reservoir filter 19-2, but the configuration of this filter is also the above configuration. It is not limited. The reservoir filter 19-2 may be any filter that can pass only gas without passing through the powder 4.
The shutter 19-4 slides and controls the storage unit powder discharge port 19-5 provided below the storage unit 19 between a sealed state and an unsealed state.

Next, a filling method using this apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
The powder 4 is conveyed to the storage unit 19 through the conveyance tube 9 by opening the powder discharge valve 13 by the air pressure injected into the pressure hopper 5. At this time, since the storage part powder discharge port 19-5 of the storage part 19 is hermetically sealed by the shutter 19-4, the powder 4 can be filled in the storage part 19 without causing powder scattering or the like. . By connecting the connection part 19-3 provided in the storage part 19 to a negative pressure source, the powder 4 can be filled while degassing the storage part 19 via the storage part filter 19-2. Therefore, the powder 4 is filled and degassed while the reservoir 19 is filled. As a result, the apparent density of the powder 4 increases and its volume decreases. On the other hand, since the powder 4 continues to be filled in the storage portion 19 through the conveying tube 9 during that time, the decrease in volume of the powder 4 can be immediately filled, and as a result, the powder 4 is densely packed. In addition, it can be filled quickly. In addition, in FIG. 9, although the example which deaerated inside the storage part by the storage part filter 19-2 and the connection part 19-3 is shown, if only the air in the storage part 19 is ventilated, the connection part 19- 3 may not be included. In this case, the inside of the storage unit 19 is not forcibly degassed, but the powder 4 is filled so as to be pressed against the storage unit filter 19-2 by the pressure from the pressure hopper 5, and is relatively high. Can be filled in a dense state.

  Next, a situation where the filling container 14 is filled with the powder 4 filled in the storage unit 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. After detecting that the predetermined amount of powder 4 is filled, the powder valve 13 is closed. The state of the storage unit 19 at that time is shown in FIG. 10A. Thereafter, the container 19 is filled with the powder 4 in the storage unit 19 by opening the shutter 19-4. In addition to the opening of the shutter 19-4, the connecting portion 19-3 may be connected to a pressure source, and air may be injected into the storage portion 9 via the storage portion filter 19-2. By injecting air, the powder 4 adhered to the surface of the reservoir filter 19-2 due to negative pressure is peeled off from the reservoir filter 19-2, and as a result, adheres to the reservoir filter 19-2, The remaining powder 4 can be reduced. Furthermore, clogging of the reservoir filter 19-2 can be prevented, and as a result, the life of the reservoir filter 19-2 can be extended. Furthermore, the ventilation performance of the reservoir filter 19-2 can be maintained. As a result, the filling accuracy can be improved and the filling can be stabilized over a long period of time. In addition, when air was not injected, when the filling to the storage unit 19 was repeated, there was a phenomenon in which the filling of the filling amount that had been made so far stopped halfway. Furthermore, if the storage part filter 19-2 is continuously used in this state, the powder 4 is completely clogged with the eyes of the storage part filter 19-2, and the powder 4 cannot be removed even when washed with air. . In that state, it is necessary to replace the reservoir filter 19-2. As a result, the life of the reservoir filter 19-2 can be extended by injecting air into the reservoir filter 19-2 after filling. is there.

  With the opening of the shutter 19-4, the powder 4 falls from the storage unit 19 to the filling container 14 by gravity and is filled. When observing the filling state at that time, the powder 4 falls in a state of being compacted in the storage portion, so that it is difficult to entrap air at the time of dropping, and as a result, the filled container 14 does not decrease the bulk density. Filled. The state of the storage unit 19 and the filled container 14 at that time is shown in FIG. 10B. When the container 14 is vibrated at the time of filling, the powder surface of the powder 4 can be flattened, so that the powder 4 can be prevented from scattering when the lid is attached, and the filling rate can also be improved. .

  In addition, since the inner diameter of the reservoir 19 is 100 mm, the inner diameter of the filling container 14 and the inner diameter of the filling port are 120 mm, so when filling the powder 4 from the reservoir 19 to the filling container 14, Spattering outside the filling container 14 can be suppressed. In addition, you may provide separately the sealing member which seals the junction part of the storage part 19 and the to-be-filled container 14 in the storage part 19 side or the to-be-filled container 14 side. Then, after the powder 4 is sufficiently filled in the filling container 14, sealing is performed by adhering the lid 14-1, and the filling into the filling container 14 is completed. FIG. 11 shows this situation.

In the above configuration, when a filling device provided with a storage portion 19 having a height of 410 mm and an internal volume of 3200 cm ³ provided with a filter over the entire peripheral surface of the inner periphery of 100 mm is filled with magnetic one-component toner, loading in part within 19 is 2300G～2370g, loading per unit volume was about ^{0.72g / cm 3 ~0.74g / cm 3} . Further, when a cylindrical container having an inner diameter of 120 mm, a height of 300 mm, and an internal volume of 3390 cm ³ is used as the filling container 14, the filling amount per unit volume is reduced by about 300 mm after filling the filling container 14 by dropping 300 mm. It was able to be filled at 0.68 g / cm ^{3 to} 0.70 g / cm ³ . In addition, the filling was performed using 100 kPa for introducing pressure into the pressure hopper 4 and -20 kPa for depressurizing the storage portion 19, and using a silicone resin having an inner diameter of 15 mm.

On the other hand, even if the inside of the storage part 19 is not deaerated, the filling amount in the storage part 19 is about 2240 g, and the filling amount per unit volume in the storage part 19 is about 0.70 g / cm ³ . there were.

  Further, when the magnetic one-component toner filled in the container to be filled as described above is passed through a sieve having an opening of 38 μm (400 mesh), the number of particles remaining on the sieve before and after filling passes through the storage section. No increase was observed compared to the case where the filling was performed.

  In the fifth embodiment, the storage device is provided in the filling device as in the first embodiment. However, the storage device may be provided in the filling device having the configuration as in the second to fourth embodiments. .

(Example 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.
In the sixth embodiment, the filled container shown in FIG. 12 is placed at the rear end of the transfer tube 9 in FIG. 1, and the filled container deaeration part is positioned above the filled container powder filling port. It is connected.

First, the configuration of the filling container 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
The filling container 14 is provided with a powder container 20 for containing powder, a conveying member 21 for agitating and conveying the internal powder, and a filling container powder filling port 22 provided with a connection portion with a conveying tube. The powder 4 is filled into the powder container 20 from the filling container powder filling port 22. Further, when filling the powder 4, the filling container powder filling port 22 and the deaeration unit 17 are separated by a sealing material (not shown) so that the powder 4 does not leak from the powder container 20. Is preferably completely sealed. Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting in particular about the structure of the conveyance member 21 shown in figure, A helical groove | channel (in the inner wall of the powder accommodating part 20 is conveyed so that an internal powder may be conveyed, when a to-be-filled container rotates or revolves. (Not shown) may be provided.

Then, the structure of the to-be-filled container deaeration part 17 is demonstrated using FIG.
The filled container deaeration unit 17 is positioned above the filled container powder filling port 22 connected to the transfer tube 9 in which the powder container 20 of the filled container 14 is filled with the powder 4. The filling is performed. As shown in FIG. 13, the filled container deaeration unit 17 mainly includes a filled container degassing filter 17-1 that can block the powder 4 and pass the gas in the powder container 20, and the filled container deaeration unit 17. The frame 17-2 is integrated with the gas filter 17-1 and connected to the powder container 20, and the leakage of the powder 4 from the connecting part between the powder container 20 and the filled container deaerator 17 is prevented. It is comprised by the sealing material 17-3 to prevent. That is, by providing the filled container deaeration filter 17-1 in a sealed state in the filled container deaeration unit 17, only the gas in the powder container 20 can be reliably deaerated.

  In the powder container 20, the powder container deaeration unit 17 is disposed above the powder container filling port 22, so that the deaeration can be performed smoothly, and the filling density of the powder 4 can be increased. It becomes possible to raise. In addition, a filling container powder filling port 22 is connected to the lower end in the vertical direction of the powder container 20 and the upper end in the vertical direction of the powder container 20 facing the filling container powder filling port 22 is filled. It is more preferable to connect the container deaeration unit 17, and in this example, the powder was filled with such a configuration.

  In this example, a five-layered sintered metal filter similar to the filter of the deaeration apparatus described in Example 3 was used as the filling container deaeration filter 17-1, but the configuration of the filter was as described above. The configuration is not limited. The filling container deaeration filter 17-1 may be any filter that can pass only gas without passing through the powder 4. In this embodiment, no deaeration device is used. However, the deaeration device can be positively deaerated by connecting the deaeration device to the filled container deaeration filter.

In this embodiment, when the pressure introduced into the pressure hopper is 50 kPa and the magnetic one-component toner is filled from the filling container powder filling port while degassing the inside of the filling container, 0.70 g / A high-density filling of cm ³ could be performed smoothly.

  In the sixth embodiment, the filling container is changed in the filling apparatus as in the first embodiment. However, the filling container is changed in the filling apparatus having the structure as in the second to fourth embodiments. You can also.

(Example 7)
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.
The seventh embodiment is characterized in that the filling container shown in FIG. 14 equipped with the filling container deaeration unit shown in FIG. 15 is connected to the rear end of the transfer tube 9 shown in FIG. .

First, the configuration of the filling container 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
As shown in FIG. 14, the filling container 14 is provided with a powder container 20, a filling auxiliary pipe 29 that extends downward from above the powder container 20, and a sealing cap 30. Moreover, it is preferable that the lower end part 23 of the auxiliary filling tube 29 and the bottom part of the powder container 20 are held at a distance of 1 to 120 mm by a regulating part (not shown) in the powder container 20. More preferably, it is 15-85 mm. When it is within this range, both the suppression of powder scattering and smooth filling can be achieved particularly well.

  In the posture when the filling container 14 is filled, the upper end portion 22 of the filling auxiliary pipe 29 is connected to the filling container powder filling port 7. The powder 4 is introduced from the filling container powder filling port 7, passes through the filling auxiliary pipe 29, and the layer surface of the powder 4 gradually starts from the bottom of the powder container 20 from the lower end 23 of the filling auxiliary pipe 29. The powder container 20 is filled so as to rise. In addition, a filled container deaeration unit 17 is connected to the upper part of the powder container 20, and the gas in the powder container 20 is degassed from the filled container deaerator 17 to the outside of the powder container 20. However, the powder 4 is filled into the powder container 20. In the present embodiment, the powder container has a longitudinal length of 350 mm, the filling auxiliary tube 29 has an inner diameter of 15 mm, and a longitudinal length of 300 mm. The distance with the bottom part of the body accommodating part 20 was about 50 mm. Further, as the transfer tube 9, one having an inner diameter of 15 mm was used.

Next, the configuration of the filling container deaeration unit 17 will be described.
The filling container deaeration unit 17 is arranged on the upper part of the powder container 20 so as to avoid the upper end 22 of the auxiliary filling tube 29 to which the filling container powder introduction unit 7 is connected in the filling posture. The As shown in FIG. 15, the filled container deaeration unit 17 mainly blocks the powder 4 and allows the filled container deaeration filter 17-1 to pass the gas in the powder container 20, and the filled container. Leakage of the powder 4 from the frame 17-2 that is integrated with the degassing filter 17-1 and connected to the powder container 20, and from the connecting part between the powder container 20 and the filled container deaerator 17 It is comprised by the sealing material 17-3 which prevents. That is, by connecting the filling container degassing filter 17-1 in a sealed state to the filling container degassing part 17, only the gas in the powder container 20 can be surely degassed, and the powder container part The scattering of the powder from 20 can be prevented. Moreover, it is preferable that the frame 17-2 has an inlay shape so as to enter the inner periphery of the powder container 20 so that the frame 17-2 can be easily attached to the powder container 20.

  Further, a filling container powder filling port 7 connected to the tip of the transfer tube 9 penetrates the filling container deaeration filter 17-1 and is provided integrally with the filling container deaeration unit 17. Furthermore, a hermetic seal 31 for sealing and connecting the filling auxiliary pipe 29 and the filled container powder filling port 7 is provided at the tip of the filled container powder filling port 7. By this hermetic seal 31, the powder 4 ejected from the filling container powder filling port 7 is reliably guided into the filling auxiliary pipe 29 without leaking from the connecting portion. Here, the hermetic seal 31 may be provided at an upper end portion of a filling auxiliary pipe 29 described later.

  In this example, a five-layered sintered metal filter similar to the filter of the deaeration apparatus described in Example 3 was used as the filling container deaeration filter 17-1, but the configuration of the filter was as described above. The configuration is not limited. The filling container deaeration filter 17-1 may be any filter that can pass only gas without passing through the powder 4. In this embodiment, no deaeration device is used. However, the deaeration device can be positively deaerated by connecting the deaeration device to the filled container deaeration filter.

In this embodiment, when the pressure introduced into the pressure hopper is 50 kPa and the magnetic one-component toner is filled from the filling container powder filling port while degassing the inside of the filling container, 0.69 g / A high-density filling of cm ³ could be performed smoothly.

  In the seventh embodiment, the filling container is changed in the filling apparatus as in the first embodiment. However, the filling container is changed in the filling apparatus having the structure as in the second to fourth embodiments. You can also.

It is the schematic of the filling apparatus which concerns on a 1st Example. It is the schematic of the filling apparatus which concerns on a 2nd Example. It is the schematic of the filling apparatus which concerns on a 3rd Example. It is detail drawing of the deaeration apparatus 17 which concerns on a 3rd Example. It is the figure which showed the mounting process of the lid | cover 14-1 which concerns on a 3rd Example. It is the figure which showed the filling apparatus which concerns on a 4th Example. It is detail drawing of the deaeration apparatus 18 which concerns on a 4th Example. It is the schematic of a dispersity measuring apparatus. It is the schematic of the filling apparatus (whole) which concerns on a 5th Example. It is the figure which showed the structure of the storage part 19 which concerns on a 5th Example. It is the figure which showed the structure of the storage part 19 which concerns on a 5th Example. It is the figure which showed the structure of the to-be-filled container 14 which concerns on a 5th Example. It is the figure which showed the structure of the to-be-filled container 14 which concerns on a 6th Example. It is detail drawing of the to-be-filled container deaeration part which concerns on a 6th Example. It is the figure which showed the structure of the to-be-filled container 14 which concerns on a 7th Example. It is detail drawing of the to-be-filled container deaeration part which concerns on a 7th Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Powder storage container 2 Conveying means 3 Driving means 4 Powder 5 Pressure hopper 6 Compressor 8 Drive control device 9 (Powder) Conveying tube 10 Powder introduction valve 12 Pressure valve 13 Powder discharge valve 15 Internal pressure gauge 16 Load cell 5-1 Powder inlet 5-2 Powder outlet (powder outlet)
14 Filled Container 1-1 Opening 7 Auxiliary Container 11 Auxiliary Container Valve 7-1 Filter
17 Deaerator 14-1 Cap 14-2 of Filled Container Powder Storage Unit 17-1 of Filled Container 17-1 Deaerator Frame 17-2 Powder Introducing Unit 17-3 Cover Shape Filter (Degas Filter)
17-4 Negative pressure connection part 17-5 Deaeration packing 17-6 Filter concave part 17-7 Filter convex part 14-1-1 Cover concave part 14-1-2 Cover convex part 18 Deaerator 18-1 Deaerator frame Body 18-2 Filter (Deaeration Filter)
18-3 Negative pressure connection part 18-4 Deaeration valve 19 Storage part 19-1 Storage part frame 19-2 Storage part filter 19-3 Connection part 19-4 Shutter 19-5 Storage part powder discharge port 20 Powder Container 21 Transport member 23 Lower end 22 of filling auxiliary pipe Filled container powder filling port 29 Filling auxiliary pipe 30 Sealing cap

Claims (21)

A powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper,
The pressure hopper has a discharge part for discharging powder, and a gas introduction part located at least above the surface of the powder layer formed by the powder in the pressure hopper;
A filter for degassing the gas contained in the powder layer in the pressure hopper is provided in at least a part of the portion where the pressure hopper and the powder layer are in contact with each other. To block through powder,
The powder layer is formed so as to block the discharge part in a pressure hopper,
With the discharge portion closed, the gas is introduced from the gas introduction portion, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized, and after the pressurization, the discharge portion is opened to utilize the pressure. A powder filling apparatus for discharging a powder layer formed so as to close a portion and filling the container with the powder.   The powder filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an auxiliary container is provided in communication with the pressure hopper to increase the volume of the pressurizable space.   Detection means for detecting the filling amount of the powder filled in the container to be filled, and once the filling amount detected by the detection means reaches a predetermined amount, the discharge of the powder from the pressure hopper is temporarily stopped. The powder filling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that performs filling again after stopping. 4. The powder filling apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the detection unit detects a filling amount of the powder in the filling container by detecting a decrease in the mass of the pressure hopper.   2. The rear end portion of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filled container has a shape equal to the shape required as the surface shape of the powder filled in the filled container. Powder filling device.   2. The powder filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rear end portion of the discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filled container has a shape equal to the shape of the inner surface of the lid of the filled container. 6. The powder filling apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a rear end portion of a discharge portion for feeding the powder into the filling container includes a deaeration device for degassing the inside of the filling container. A powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper,
The pressure hopper has a discharge part for discharging powder, and a gas introduction part located at least above the surface of the powder layer formed by the powder in the pressure hopper;
A reservoir for storing the powder is provided between the pressure hopper and the container to be filled.
The reservoir is configured by a reservoir filter in which at least a part of the wall surface blocks the powder through air,
The storage unit has a shutter that seals a storage unit powder discharge port for discharging the powder to the filled container ,
The powder layer is formed so as to block the discharge part in a pressure hopper,
With the discharge portion closed, the gas is introduced from the gas introduction portion, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized, and after the pressurization, the discharge portion is opened to utilize the pressure. A powder filling apparatus for discharging a powder layer formed so as to close a portion and filling the container with the powder. The powder filling apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a storage part deaeration device that deaerates the inside of the storage part is connected via the storage part filter. The powder filling apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a storage unit air supply device that introduces gas into the storage unit via the storage unit filter is connected. 9. The powder filling apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a size of the storage part powder discharge port is smaller than a powder filling port provided in the filling container. A powder filling method performed using a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper,
The pressure hopper has a discharge part for discharging powder, and a gas introduction part located at least above the surface of the powder layer formed by the powder in the pressure hopper;
At least a part of the portion where the pressure hopper and the powder layer are in contact with each other is provided with a filter that blocks air through the air and is included in the powder layer in the pressure hopper via the filter. After degassing the gas, the container is filled with powder,
The powder layer is formed in the pressure hopper so as to block the discharge part,
With the discharge portion closed, the gas is introduced from the gas introduction portion, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized, and after the pressurization, the discharge portion is opened to utilize the pressure. A powder filling method characterized by discharging a powder layer formed so as to close the portion and filling the filling container with the powder. 13. The powder filling method according to claim 12 , wherein the pressure introduced by the pressure hopper is 10 to 150 kPa. The powder filling method according to claim 12 , wherein an auxiliary container is provided in communication with the pressure hopper to increase the volume of the pressurizable space. 13. The powder filling method according to claim 12 , further comprising the step of reducing or stopping the discharge of the powder from the discharge portion at least once when discharging the powder from the pressure hopper. . 13. The powder filling method according to claim 12 , wherein the amount of powder in the pressure hopper before discharging is larger than the final filling amount of the container to be filled. 13. The powder filling method according to claim 12 , wherein a filling amount filled in the filling container is detected by measuring a mass of the pressure hopper from the start of filling. The rear end of the discharge part for feeding the powder into the container to be filled has a shape equal to the shape required as the surface shape of the powder filled in the powder container of the container to be filled. The powder filling method according to claim 12 , wherein the filling is performed by forming the surface shape of the powder in the portion into a required shape. 13. The powder filling method according to claim 12 , wherein the filling of the powder into the filling container is performed while degassing the inside of the filling container. A reservoir for storing the powder is provided between the pressure hopper and the container to be filled.
The reservoir is configured by a reservoir filter in which at least a part of the wall surface blocks the powder through air,
The storage unit has a shutter that seals a storage unit powder discharge port for discharging the powder to the filled container,
In a state where the storage unit powder discharge port is sealed by the shutter, the powder is filled into the storage unit from the pressure hopper, and then the shutter is opened to release the powder. The powder filling method according to any one of claims 12 to 19 , wherein the body is filled into the filling container from the storage part. The container to be filled has a powder container for containing powder and a container deaeration unit to be filled, and the container to be filled is in a vertically upper position with respect to the powder container in a posture at the time of filling. A filling auxiliary pipe extending downward from the side, and the filled container degassing part is arranged vertically above the powder container,
The rear end of the discharge part for feeding powder into the container to be filled is connected to the upper end of the auxiliary filling pipe,
While degassed gas in the powder accommodating portion from the the filling container deaerating section, any one of claims 12 to 20 powder, characterized in that filling through the filling auxiliary tube to the powder accommodating portion The powder filling method according to 1.

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