JPWO2011105159A1 - Solid content separator for liquid toner - Google Patents

Abstract

The solid content separation device 50 includes a tray 51, an extrusion blade 53, a cylinder device 53a, a used liquid toner tank 54a, a recycle carrier tank 54b, and a solid content tank 54c. The solid content separation device 50 guides the liquid toner T from the used liquid toner tank 54 a onto the tray 51. The solid content K contained in the liquid toner T guided to the tray 51 is aggregated on the tray 51. In the solid content separation device 50, the cylinder device 53a operates, and the extruded blade 53 guides the aggregated solid content K to the solid content tank 54c. Further, the solid content separation device 50 guides the liquid C (mainly the carrier) with the reduced solid content K to the recycle carrier tank 54b.

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid content separation device for liquid toner that promotes separation of a carrier and solid content contained in liquid toner.

  Conventionally, an electrophotographic printing apparatus using liquid toner has been proposed. The liquid toner is a toner in which a solid toner composed of a thermoplastic resin and a pigment is dispersed in a carrier. Such an electrophotographic printing apparatus is required to reuse the carrier. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a conductive pipe and a conductive roller provided inside the conductive pipe, and by applying a bias voltage between the conductive pipe and the conductive roller, An apparatus is disclosed that deposits solids contained in a liquid toner guided to a gap between the conductive pipe and the conductive roller on the surface of the conductive roller.

JP 2003-270957 A

  In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, both of the two electrodes are in contact with the liquid toner. Therefore, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, solid content may adhere to the two electrodes, and the charge amount of the solid content may decrease. In particular, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has no means for cleaning the inner peripheral surface of the conductive pipe, and therefore solids are likely to accumulate on the inner peripheral surface of the conductive pipe. As a result, the number of maintenance (cleaning) operations of the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is increased. Further, when the solid content is deposited on the electrode, the charge amount of the solid content decreases. Therefore, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot sufficiently promote the separation between the carrier and the solid content.

  In addition, when a bias voltage is applied between two electrode surfaces, the distance between the electrode surfaces needs to be very small. Accordingly, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a narrow liquid toner flow path. As described above, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 tends to deposit solids between the electrodes. Therefore, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is likely to be clogged with solid content. Thereby, the number of times of maintenance (cleaning) further increases in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to reduce labor required for maintenance.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention is a flow path through which liquid toner containing a carrier and solid content dispersed in the carrier can flow. And an aggregating means provided to be in non-contact with the liquid toner flowing through the flow path and aggregating the solid content.

  With the above configuration, in the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the aggregating means does not contact the liquid toner. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the solid content adheres to the aggregation means. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance. Further, when the aggregating means comes into contact with the liquid toner, there is a possibility that the solid content contained in the liquid toner adheres. When the solid content adheres, the aggregation means may cause insufficient aggregation of the solid content. However, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of solid content adhering to the aggregating means as described above. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the aggregation of the solid content. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the flow path includes a negative electrode portion that is electrically connected to a ground, and the aggregating means is provided to face the negative electrode portion so as to corona with the negative electrode portion. It is desirable to include a positive electrode member capable of discharging.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can charge the solid content by corona discharge. The solid content negatively (minus) charged by corona discharge is aggregated in the negative electrode portion. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the solid content contained in the liquid toner.

  In the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the positive electrode member does not contact the liquid toner. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the solid content adheres to the positive electrode member. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance.

  Furthermore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention charges the solid content using corona discharge. Corona discharge is a local discharge. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can ensure a wider distance between the electrodes than when a bias voltage is applied between, for example, two opposing electrode surfaces. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can secure a wide flow path through which the liquid toner flows, so that the possibility of clogging the solid content in the flow path between the electrodes can be reduced. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can suitably reduce the labor required for maintenance.

  As a preferable aspect of the present invention, a solid content storage unit capable of storing the solid content aggregated by the aggregation means, and a solid content movement unit capable of moving the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit. It is desirable to provide

  With the configuration described above, the liquid toner solid content separator according to the present invention can collect the aggregated solid content in the solid content storage unit. The solid content collected in the solid content storage is removed during maintenance. The operation of removing the solid content collected in the solid content storage unit is easier than the operation of replacing the cartridge type filter, for example. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, a solid content discharge unit provided in the flow path and capable of guiding the agglomerated solid content to the solid content storage unit, the solid content moving means includes a blade, And a blade moving means capable of moving the blade along the flow path to the solid content discharge section.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can guide the solid content aggregated from the solid content discharge section to the solid content storage section. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can collect the aggregated solid content in the solid content storage unit.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the solid content discharge portion is an opening and includes an opening / closing member provided in the flow path and capable of opening and closing the opening.

  With the above configuration, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention opens the open / close member when guiding the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit, and does not guide the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit. The opening / closing member is closed. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can handle the solid content and the liquid toner (mainly carrier) having a reduced solid content separately. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can more suitably promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the solid content storage portion has a filter portion capable of repairing the agglomerated solid content and allowing the carrier to pass therethrough, and between the positive electrode member and the negative electrode portion. Desirably, the liquid toner that has passed through and the agglomerated solids can be guided.

  The solid content storage unit is, for example, a bag filter. With the above configuration, in the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the solid content storage unit separates the aggregated solid content and the liquid toner (mainly carrier) having a reduced solid content. That is, the solid content storage unit passes the liquid toner (mainly carrier) with reduced solid content and stores the aggregated solid content. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the solid content moving means is a belt conveyor device having a belt including the negative electrode part, and the liquid toner can be supplied to the belt.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can guide the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit. Here, when the accumulation amount of the aggregated solid content increases, the charge amount of the solid content by the corona discharge in the carrier recovery device decreases. However, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can aggregate the solid content contained in the newly introduced liquid toner while moving the aggregated solid content. Thereby, the solid content separation apparatus for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the accumulation amount of the aggregated solid content. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in the charge amount of the solid content. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the solid content moving means is a roller having an outer peripheral portion including the negative electrode portion, and the roller is rotatable while at least a part of the outer peripheral portion is in contact with the liquid toner. It is desirable to be provided.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can guide the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit. Further, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can aggregate the solid content contained in the newly introduced liquid toner while moving the aggregated solid content. Thereby, the solid content separation apparatus for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the accumulation amount of the aggregated solid content. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in the charge amount of the solid content. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

  As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable to include a heater capable of heating the liquid toner.

  The solid content includes a dispersion material. The function of the dispersion material is lowered when the temperature exceeds the glass transition point. The said function is a function which suppresses aggregation of the said solid content and disperse | distributes solid content in a carrier. With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the function by heating the liquid toner. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote aggregation of the solid content contained in the liquid toner.

  As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable that the aggregation means includes a heater capable of heating the liquid toner.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the function by heating the liquid toner. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can aggregate the solid content contained in the liquid toner.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the flow path is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and is provided on the rotation direction side of the roller with respect to the supply means for supplying the liquid toner to the outer peripheral portion. Scraping means for scraping off the solid content in contact with the outer peripheral surface, carrier separating means for separating the carrier from the solid content scraped off by the scraping means, and the carrier separated by the carrier separating means And circulating means for returning the agglomeration means to the opposite side of the roller rotation direction than the aggregating means, and the aggregating means is preferably provided between the supply means and the scraping means.

  The solid content separation device according to the present invention separates the liquid toner on the roller into the solid content and the carrier, further separates the carrier remaining in the solid content, and then rotates the separated carrier to rotate the roller more than the aggregating means. Return to the opposite side. By doing in this way, the concentration rate of waste solid content improves and volume reduction of waste solid content can be performed.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the carrier is further separated from the liquid toner that is provided on the rotation direction side of the roller with respect to the aggregating unit and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface and adhered to the outer peripheral surface. It is desirable to have carrier recovery means. With such a configuration, the solid content separation device according to the present invention can recover a carrier having high purity in which mixing of solid content is suppressed.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the scraping means is fixed to a fixing means, and a distance from the roller is constant. Since the scraping means may always be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller, the support structure of the scraping means can be simplified by fixing the scraping means.

  The present invention can reduce the labor required for maintenance.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the electrophotographic printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing the solid content separation device of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the tray of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the solid content. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a plurality of solid contents before aggregation. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing a plurality of solid contents after aggregation. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing the solid content separation device of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a solid content separation device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a solid content separation device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a solid content separation device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a solid content separation device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a solid content separation device according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing a solid content separation device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the solid content separation device according to the seventh embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following description. In addition, constituent elements in the following description include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those in a so-called equivalent range.

(Embodiment 1)
The electrophotographic printing apparatus of this embodiment is a liquid development electrophotographic printing machine. The electrophotographic printing apparatus includes a paper feed unit, a printing unit, and a paper discharge unit. The paper feed unit can supply, for example, sheet-by-sheet print sheets one by one from the paper feed tray to the printing unit. The printing unit can perform printing on one side or both sides of the supplied printing sheet. The paper discharge unit can discharge a printed sheet printed on one or both sides by the printing unit to a paper discharge tray.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the electrophotographic printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the electrophotographic printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 11 includes an intermediate transfer body 12, a backup roller 13, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of developing units 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d, and a liquid toner supply device 20. And a cleaning device 30, a liquid toner recovery device 40, and a solid content separation device 50 as a solid content separation device for liquid toner. Although not shown, the printing unit 11 includes a print sheet conveying device, a toner fixing device, a heating device, and the like. In this case, the printing unit 11 is configured to perform process color printing. The developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d correspond to the process colors of C (blue), M (red), Y (yellow), and K (black).

  The printing unit 11 performs printing with the liquid toner T. The liquid toner T is a mixture of toner dispersed in a carrier. The toner is in the form of particles formed of a thermoplastic material and a pigment (pigment or dye). The carrier is a petroleum solvent (for example, nonpolar, paraffinic solvent, mineral oil, etc.). The liquid toner T is a toner in which particulate toner having an average particle diameter of about 1 to 2 μm is contained in a carrier at a concentration of about 20 to 40 percent by weight.

  The intermediate transfer member 12 is in contact with the backup roller 13. The intermediate transfer body 12 forms a nip portion (transfer position) N1 at the contact portion. The intermediate transfer body 12 has a blanket 12a wound around a side peripheral surface. The blanket 12a is made of urethane conductive rubber. For example, a bias voltage of about −200 to −300 V is applied to the intermediate transfer body 12.

  The backup roller 13 is arranged to apply a pressure to the intermediate transfer body 12 at a predetermined pressure, for example, about 1 to 13 kg / cm. The backup roller 13 forms the above-described nip portion N <b> 1 at the contact portion with the intermediate transfer body 12. For this reason, the print sheet S is conveyed between the intermediate transfer body 12 and the backup roller 13, whereby a predetermined nip pressure is applied. For example, a transfer bias of about −800 V is applied to the backup roller 13. As a result, the printing unit 11 moves from the intermediate transfer body 12 to the backup roller 13 due to the difference between the bias voltage (−200 to −300 V) of the intermediate transfer body 12 and the bias voltage (about −800 V) of the backup roller 13. A suction force is applied to the liquid toner T. In this way, the printing unit 11 promotes electrostatic transfer of the liquid toner T from the intermediate transfer body 12 to the print sheet S.

  The developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are arranged around the intermediate transfer body 12 along the rotation direction. The developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are different in the color of the liquid toner T guided to the intermediate transfer body 12, but the configuration is the same. Therefore, in the following, the developing unit 14a will be described in detail.

  The developing unit 14a includes a photosensitive drum 15, a flange 16a, and a liquid toner conveying roller 16b. The photosensitive drum 15 has a photosensitive layer formed on the side peripheral surface. The photosensitive layer is formed including a photosensitive agent such as amorphous silicon (a-Si) or a photosensitive polymer. The photosensitive drum 15 contacts the intermediate transfer body 12 at the nip portion N2. The bag 16a is a container for storing the liquid toner T. The liquid toner conveyance roller 16 b conveys the liquid toner T from the ridge 16 a to the photosensitive drum 15. With the above configuration, the developing unit 14a can transfer the liquid toner T guided from the flange 16a to the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 15 to the intermediate transfer body 12 by the liquid toner conveying roller 16b.

  The liquid toner supply device 20 includes a concent tank 21, a carrier tank 22, a liquid toner tank 23, a stirring tank 24, a concent pump 25a, a carrier pump 25b, a liquid toner pump 25c, a recovery pump 25d, a recovery pump A pump 25e, a collection blade 26, and a concentration sensor 27 are included. The concentrated tank 21 is a container for storing liquid toner having a higher concentration than the liquid toner T guided to the photosensitive drum 15. If the capacity of the high-concentration liquid toner is insufficient, the concentrate tank 21 is replenished with high-concentration liquid toner from the bottle toner 21a.

  The carrier tank 22 is a container for storing a carrier. The carrier tank 22 is replenished with carriers from the carrier can 22a when the carrier capacity is insufficient. The liquid toner tank 23 is a container for storing a liquid mixture of high-concentration liquid toner and carrier, that is, liquid toner T. The agitation tank 24 is a container for storing the liquid toner T collected from the liquid toner conveying roller 16b. The liquid toner tank 23 and the agitation tank 24 include an agitation device that can agitate the liquid toner T. The liquid toner T in the stirring tank 24 is guided to the liquid toner tank 23 after being stirred.

  The concrete pump 25 a is provided in a passage connecting the concrete tank 21 and the liquid toner tank 23. The concentrated pump 25 a guides the high-concentration liquid toner in the concentrated tank 21 to the liquid toner tank 23. The carrier pump 25 b is provided in a passage connecting the carrier tank 22 and the liquid toner tank 23. The carrier pump 25 b guides the carrier in the carrier tank 22 to the liquid toner tank 23. The liquid toner pump 25c is provided in a passage that connects the liquid toner tank 23 and the bag 16a. The liquid toner pump 25c guides the liquid toner T in the liquid toner tank 23 to the bag 16a. The recovery pump 25d is provided in a passage that connects the bag 16a and the liquid toner tank 23. The recovery pump 25d returns the excess liquid toner T in the bag 16a to the liquid toner tank 23.

  The collection blade 26 is in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the liquid toner conveying roller 16b. The collection blade 26 collects excess liquid toner T on the outer peripheral portion of the liquid toner transport roller 16b. The surplus liquid toner T here is the liquid toner T that is not supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 15. The recovery pump 25 e is provided in a passage that connects the recovery blade 26 and the agitation tank 24. The recovery pump 25 e returns the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 26 to the stirring tank 24.

  The density sensor 27 is provided, for example, in a path that connects the liquid toner tank 23 and the bag 16a. The density sensor 27 detects the density of the liquid toner T guided to the ridge 16a. A control device (not shown) acquires a signal indicating the density of the liquid toner T from the density sensor 27. Then, the control device mixes the high-concentration liquid toner and the carrier so that the concentration of the liquid toner T becomes a predetermined concentration (the weight ratio of the toner and the carrier is, for example, 20 to 40 percent). That is, the control device controls the operation of the concentric pump 25a and the operation of the carrier pump 25b.

  The concentrated tank 21, the liquid toner tank 23, the stirring tank 24, the concentrated pump 25a, the liquid toner pump 25c, the recovery pump 25d, the recovery pump 25e, the recovery blade 26, and the concentration sensor 27 are respectively One is provided for each developing unit of the developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. The carrier tank 22 and the carrier pump 25b are shared by each developing unit. The carrier pump 25b guides the carrier from the carrier tank 22 to the liquid toner tank 23 for each developing unit. One carrier tank 22 and one carrier pump 25b may be provided for each developing unit. With the above configuration, the liquid toner supply device 20 guides the liquid toner T to the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 15.

  The cleaning device 30 includes a carrier nozzle 31, a carrier pump 32, a first cleaning roller 33a, a second cleaning roller 33b, a collection blade 34a, a collection blade 34b, and a collection blade 34c. The carrier nozzle 31 is provided to face the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. Specifically, the carrier nozzle 31 is provided between the nip portion N1 of the intermediate transfer member 12 and the backup roller 13 and the nip portion N2 of the intermediate transfer member 12 and the photosensitive drum 15 for the first color. The carrier nozzle 31 discharges the carrier and guides the carrier to the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12.

  The carrier pump 32 is provided in a passage connecting the carrier tank 22 and the carrier nozzle 31. The carrier pump 32 guides the carrier in the carrier tank 22 to the carrier nozzle 31. The first cleaning roller 33 a and the second cleaning roller 33 b are provided in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. The first cleaning roller 33a is provided between the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14b and the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14c. The second cleaning roller 33b is provided between the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14d and the backup roller 13. The first cleaning roller 33 a and the second cleaning roller 33 b come into contact with the intermediate transfer body 12 during printing on the print sheet S, and collect a part of the liquid toner T on the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. Accordingly, the first cleaning roller 33a and the second cleaning roller 33b prepare the liquid toner T on the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12.

  The collection blade 34a is provided to face the outer periphery of the first cleaning roller 33a. The collection blade 34a collects the liquid toner T on the outer periphery of the first cleaning roller 33a. The collection blade 34b is provided to face the outer peripheral portion of the second cleaning roller 33b. The collection blade 34b collects the liquid toner T on the outer periphery of the second cleaning roller 33b. The collection blade 34 c is provided to face the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. Specifically, the collection blade 34c is provided between the carrier nozzle 31 and the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14a. The collection blade 34c collects the liquid toner T diluted by the carrier discharged from the carrier nozzle 31.

  The liquid toner recovery device 40 includes a liquid toner recovery pump 41a, a liquid toner recovery pump 41b, and a liquid toner recovery pump 41c. The liquid toner recovery pump 41a is provided in a passage connecting the recovery blade 34c and a solid content separation device 50 described later. The liquid toner recovery pump 41a guides the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 34c to the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41b is provided in a path connecting the recovery blade 34a and the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41 b guides the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 34 a to the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41 c is provided in a path connecting the recovery blade 34 b and the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41 c guides the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 34 b to the solid content separation device 50.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing the solid content separation device of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the tray of the present embodiment. The solid content separation device 50 is a device that can promote the separation of the carrier contained in the liquid toner T and the solid toner. Hereinafter, the toner is referred to as a solid content. As shown in FIG. 2, the solid content separation device 50 includes a tray 51 as a flow path, an electric actuator 51g, a positive electrode member 52 as aggregating means, an extrusion blade 53 and a cylinder device 53a as solid content moving means, , A used liquid toner tank 54a, a recycled carrier tank 54b, a solid content tank 54c as a solid content storage unit, and a cartridge type filter 55.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tray 51 includes, for example, a bottom surface 51a, a side surface 51b, a back surface 51c, an opening portion 51d, an opening 51e as a solid content discharge portion, and an opening / closing member 51f. In the tray 51, two side surfaces 51b facing each other and one back surface 51c are extended from the bottom surface 51a in the same direction. The back surface 51c is provided between the two side surfaces 51b so as to be orthogonal to the side surface 51b, for example. As a result, the tray 51 is formed in a shape having an open portion 51d along the bottom surface 51a and in a portion facing the back surface 51c in a direction parallel to the side surface 51b. The opening 51e is formed in the bottom surface 51a. The opening 51e communicates one of the two spaces partitioned by the bottom surface 51a with the other. The bottom surface 51a is provided to be inclined with respect to the horizontal so that the open portion 51d is positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction than the back surface 51c.

  The opening / closing member 51f is a plate-like member. The opening / closing member 51f is attached to the tray 51 so as to close the opening 51e. The opening / closing member 51f opens and closes by rotating around a rotation axis Zr parallel to the bottom surface 51a, for example. The opening / closing member 51f may be opened / closed by sliding the plate member in a direction parallel to the bottom surface 51a, for example. The opening / closing member 51f is operated by, for example, an electric actuator 51g.

  The positive electrode member 52 shown in FIG. 2 is provided to face a portion other than the opening 51e in the bottom surface 51a. The positive electrode member 52 is provided at a sufficient interval from the bottom surface 51a so as not to contact the liquid toner T flowing through the bottom surface 51a. The interval is, for example, 10 mm. The positive electrode member 52 is, for example, a conductive wire. The positive electrode member 52 is provided in the width direction of the tray 51 (direction connecting the two side surfaces 51b). The positive electrode member 52 shown in FIG. 2 is configured by arranging a plurality of conductive wires side by side in the vertical direction of the tray 51 (the direction connecting the back surface 51c and the open portion 51d). The positive electrode member 52 may be composed of a single conductive wire. Alternatively, for example, the positive electrode member 52 may have a plurality of needles protruding toward the bottom surface 51a.

  In the bottom surface 51a, a portion facing the positive electrode member 52 functions as the aggregation portion 51h. In the tray 51, at least the aggregation portion 51h is formed of a conductive member, and at least the aggregation portion 51h is electrically connected to the ground (earth). Thereby, the aggregation part 51 h functions as a negative electrode part for the positive electrode member 52. In the present embodiment, the tray 51 is entirely composed of a conductive member and is electrically connected to the ground (earth). Thereby, the solid content separator 50 can perform corona discharge between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h.

  The extrusion blade 53 is a plate member. The extrusion blade 53 is provided in parallel with the back surface 51c. The extrusion blade 53 is provided so as to be movable along the bottom surface 51a from the back surface 51c shown in FIG. 3 toward the opening 51e. The cylinder device 53a as the blade moving means shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, an air cylinder device or a hydraulic cylinder device. The cylinder device 53a is a device that expands and contracts between the back surface 51c and the opening 51e. The cylinder device 53a can move the extrusion blade 53.

  The used liquid toner tank 54a shown in FIG. 1 is a container for storing used liquid toner T guided from the liquid toner recovery pump 41a by each pump of the liquid toner recovery pump 41c. The used liquid toner tank 54a is provided so that the used liquid toner T can be supplied to the bottom surface 51a between the positive electrode member 52 and the back surface 51c. Of the used liquid toner tank 54a, a portion for discharging the used liquid toner T (a portion for supplying the used liquid toner T to the bottom surface 51a) includes, for example, a passage along the width direction of the bottom surface 51a and the passage. And a plurality of holes provided along the width direction. Here, the width direction is a direction connecting the two side surfaces 51b shown in FIG. Thereby, the used liquid toner tank 54a can supply the liquid toner T to the bottom surface 51a more evenly in the width direction.

  The recycle carrier tank 54b is a container for storing the liquid C contained in the liquid toner T in the used liquid toner tank 54a. The recycle carrier tank 54b is provided so as to receive the liquid C guided to the opening 51d. In the present embodiment, the recycled carrier tank 54b is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the opening 51d so as to face the opening 51d in the vertical direction. The liquid C guided to the opening 51d is mainly a carrier, but may contain a slight solid content. The solid content tank 54c is a container for storing the solid content K contained in the liquid toner T in the used liquid toner tank 54a. The solid content tank 54c is provided so as to receive the solid content K guided to the opening 51e. In the present embodiment, the solid content tank 54c is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the opening 51e so as to face the opening 51e in the vertical direction.

  The cartridge type filter 55 is provided downstream of the flow of the liquid C (mainly carrier) rather than the recycled carrier tank 54b. In the present embodiment, the cartridge type filter 55 is provided in a passage connecting the recycled carrier tank 54b and the carrier tank 22 as shown in FIG. The cartridge type filter 55 promotes the separation of the solid content K contained in the introduced liquid C (mainly the carrier) and the carrier. Next, a mechanism in which the solid content separation device 50 separates the carrier contained in the liquid toner T and the solid content K will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the solid content. First, the solid content K will be described with reference to FIG. The solid content K includes a capsule K1, a dispersion material K2, and a pigment K3. The capsule K1 and the dispersion material K2 are thermoplastic materials, and are formed of, for example, a synthetic resin material. The dispersion material K2 is a needle-like member. The dispersion material K2 is provided radially around the capsule K1. The dye K3 is stored inside the capsule K1. Generally, the solid content K is positively (plus) charged.

  The solid content separator 50 shown in FIG. 2 guides the used liquid toner T collected in the used liquid toner tank 54a to the bottom surface 51a between the positive electrode member 52 and the back surface 51c. The used liquid toner T guided to the bottom surface 51a is guided between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation portion 51h. At this time, a positive voltage is applied to the positive electrode member 52. Thereby, the solid content separator 50 performs corona discharge between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a plurality of solid contents before aggregation. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing a plurality of solid contents after aggregation. By passing between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h, the used liquid toner T is charged positively (plus) as shown in FIG. 5 by corona discharge. As a result, the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T moves to the aggregating portion 51h on the negative electrode side as shown in FIG. Thereby, the plurality of solid contents K are densely packed together and aggregate on the aggregation part 51h side. On the other hand, the carrier contained in the used liquid toner T is separated as the liquid C to the positive electrode member 52 side.

  The liquid C flows toward the open part 51d from between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h shown in FIG. At this time, the opening / closing member 51f closes the opening 51e. Therefore, the liquid C passes through the opening 51e closed by the opening / closing member 51f and is guided to the opening 51d. And the liquid C is guide | induced to the recycle carrier tank 54b from the open part 51d. The liquid C introduced to the recycle carrier tank 54 b is further reduced in the solid content K contained by the cartridge type filter 55. In this embodiment, the liquid C (substantially carrier) in which the contained solid content K is reduced by the cartridge type filter 55 is guided to the carrier tank 22 shown in FIG.

  Here, the solid content K contained in the liquid toner T is deposited between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation portion 51h. The solid content separation device 50 guides the accumulated solid content K to the solid content tank 54 c by the extrusion blade 53. Specifically, first, in the solid content separation device 50, the opening / closing member 51f is opened at a predetermined timing. In the solid content separation device 50, the cylinder device 53a operates, and the extrusion blade 53 moves toward the opening 51e. As a result, the solid content separation device 50 guides the solid content K deposited between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation portion 51h to the solid content tank 54c through the opening 51e.

  The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous time when the electric actuator 51g was operated or the time when the cylinder device 53a was operated. The predetermined time is obtained by a test, for example. An example of a method for setting the predetermined time will be described. When the amount of the solid content K deposited between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation portion 51h increases, the charge amount of the newly introduced solid content K decreases. Therefore, the amount of the solid content K contained in the liquid C that has passed between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation portion 51h increases in itself (liquid C). The predetermined time is set so that the amount of the solid content K contained in the liquid C is within an allowable amount.

  As another aspect, the solid content separation device 50 may include a concentration sensor. The concentration sensor detects the concentration of the liquid C (weight ratio between the contained carrier and the solid content K). The solid content separation device 50 includes a control device (not shown). The control device obtains a signal from the concentration sensor, and controls the operation of the electric actuator 51g and the operation of the cylinder device 53a. The control device operates the electric actuator 51g to open the opening / closing member 51f when the concentration of the liquid C exceeds a threshold value. The control device operates the cylinder device 53a to move the extrusion blade 53 toward the opening 51e.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device 50 can promote the separation of the carrier contained in the used liquid toner T and the solid content K. Therefore, for example, the solid content separation device 50 can reduce clogging of the cartridge type filter 55 as compared with the case where the used liquid toner T is directly guided to the cartridge type filter 55. That is, the solid content separation device 50 can reduce a decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55. Thereby, the solid content separation apparatus 50 can reduce the frequency | count of a maintenance, and can reduce the effort which a maintenance requires.

  Here, the electrophotographic printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 reuses the carrier whose solid content K is reduced by the solid content separation device 50. As a configuration for this purpose, the electrophotographic printing apparatus 10 includes a recycle carrier supply pump 17. The recycled carrier supply pump 17 is provided in a passage connecting the recycled carrier tank 54 b and the carrier tank 22. In the present embodiment, the recycled carrier supply pump 17 is provided between the cartridge type filter 55 and the carrier tank 22. The recycled carrier supply pump 17 may be provided between the recycled carrier tank 54 b and the cartridge type filter 55. Thereby, the recycled carrier supply pump 17 guides the carrier whose solid content K is reduced by the cartridge type filter 55 to the carrier tank 22.

  In addition, although the carrier pump 32 of this embodiment guides a carrier from the carrier tank 22 to the carrier nozzle 31, the carrier pump 32 may guide the carrier from the recycled carrier tank 54b to the carrier nozzle 31. In this case, the cleaning device 30 is preferably provided with a cartridge type filter 55 in a passage connecting the recycled carrier tank 54 b and the carrier nozzle 31.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing the solid content separation device of the second embodiment. A solid content separation device 60 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a bag-type filter 61 as a solid content storage unit in addition to the configuration of the solid content separation device 50 shown in FIG. The solid content separation device 60 includes a cylinder device 63a as solid content moving means instead of the cylinder device 53a shown in FIG. Further, in the solid content separation device 60, the opening 51e, the opening / closing member 51f, the electric actuator 51g, and the solid content tank 54c shown in FIG. 2 can be omitted. In the following description, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element same as each element contained in the solid content separation apparatus 50 shown in FIG.

  At least a part of the bag-type filter 61 is configured by a filter unit that can reduce the solid content K contained in the liquid toner T and can pass the carrier contained in the liquid toner T. Almost all of the bag-type filter 61 of this embodiment is a filter unit. The bag type filter 61 is a larger filter than the cartridge type filter 55. The bag type filter 61 may have a lower separating ability than the cartridge type filter 55. The separation ability here is a ratio between the concentration of the liquid before passing through the filter and the concentration of the liquid after passing through the filter. In other words, the bag type filter 61 may be coarser than the cartridge type filter 55, or may be thinner than the cartridge type filter 55. The bag type filter 61 is provided between the opening 51d and the recycle carrier tank 54b. The cylinder device 63a is a device that expands and contracts between the back surface 51c and the opening 51d. The cylinder device 63a can move the extrusion blade 53 from the back surface 51c to the opening 51d.

  Next, a mechanism by which the solid content separation device 60 promotes the separation of the carrier contained in the liquid toner T and the solid content K will be described. The solid content separation device 60 causes the solid content K charged positively (plus) between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h to aggregate in the aggregation part 51h. The liquid C in which the solid content K is reduced passes between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h and is guided to the bag filter 61 from the open part 51d. In the liquid C, the solid content K contained in itself (liquid C) is further reduced by the bag filter 61. Then, the liquid C is guided to the recycle carrier tank 54b.

  In the solid content separation device 60, the cylinder device 63a operates at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous operation of the cylinder device 63a. The predetermined time is the same as the predetermined time described in the first embodiment. Thereby, the extrusion blade 53 carries the solid content K which has been aggregated and accumulated between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h to the opening part 51d. The solid content K carried to the opening 51d is guided to the bag filter 61 in an aggregated state. Most of the solid content K guided to the bag type filter 61 remains in the bag type filter 61. The liquid C newly introduced to the bag-type filter 61 passes through the bag-type filter 61 so as to avoid the solid content K even if there is a solid content K inside the bag-type filter 61. However, the separation capacity of the bag-type filter 61 decreases as the amount of the solid content K to be stored increases. Therefore, the bag-type filter 61 is replaced at an appropriate time (before the separation ability of the bag-type filter 61 falls outside the allowable range).

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device 60 can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T. Further, the solid content separation device 60 can guide the aggregated solid content K to the bag type filter 61. Aggregated solid content K is less likely to pass through bag-type filter 61 than solid content K dispersed in the carrier. Thereby, the solid content separator 60 can reduce the amount of the solid content K that passes through the bag type filter 61. Therefore, the solid content separation device 60 can reduce a decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55. Thereby, the solid content separation apparatus 60 can reduce the frequency | count of a maintenance, and can reduce the effort which a maintenance requires. Further, the solid content separation device 60 can have the same effects as the solid content separation device 50 with fewer components than the solid content separation device 50 shown in FIG.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a solid content separation device according to the third embodiment. A solid content separation device 70 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is replaced with a tray 71 as a flow path instead of the tray 51 shown in FIG. 2, a cylinder device 73a as solid content moving means instead of the cylinder device 53a, A solid content tank 74c as a solid content storage unit is included instead of the solid content tank 54c. Furthermore, in the solid content separation device 70, the electric actuator 51g shown in FIG. 2 can be omitted. In the following description, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element same as each element contained in the solid content separation apparatus 50 shown in FIG.

  The tray 71 is formed in a shape in which the back surface 51c, the opening 51e, and the opening / closing member 51f shown in FIG. 3 are omitted. In the tray 71, a portion corresponding to the open portion 51d is a first open portion 71d, and a portion corresponding to the back surface 51c is a second open portion 71j as a solid content discharge portion. The bottom surface 51a of the tray 71 is provided to be inclined with respect to the horizontal so that the first opening portion 71d is located on the lower side in the vertical direction than the second opening portion 71j.

  The solid content tank 74c is provided so as to receive the solid content K guided to the second opening portion 71j. In the present embodiment, the solid content tank 74c is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the second opening portion 71j so as to face the second opening portion 71j in the vertical direction. The recycle carrier tank 54b is provided in the same part as in the first embodiment (in this embodiment, the lower part in the vertical direction of the first opening part 71d and the part facing the first opening part 71d in the vertical direction). The cylinder device 73a is a device that expands and contracts between the first opening portion 71d and the second opening portion 71j. The cylinder device 73a can move the pushing blade 53 from the first opening part 71d to the second opening part 71j.

  Next, a mechanism by which the solid content separation device 70 promotes separation of the carrier contained in the liquid toner T and the solid content K will be described. The solid content separation device 70 causes the solid content K charged positively (plus) between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h to aggregate in the aggregation part 51h. The liquid C in which the solid content K is reduced passes between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h. And the liquid C is guide | induced to the 1st open part 71d through the clearance gap between the bottom face 51a or the side surface 51b, and the extrusion blade 53, for example. Further, the liquid C is guided to the first opening portion 71d, for example, over the upper side in the vertical direction of the extrusion blade 53. The liquid C guided to the first opening portion 71d is guided to the recycle carrier tank 54b.

  In the solid content separation device 70, the cylinder device 73a operates at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous operation of the cylinder device 73a. The predetermined time is the same as the predetermined time described in the first embodiment. Thereby, the extrusion blade 53 carries the solid content K which is aggregated and accumulated between the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation part 51h to the second opening part 71j. The solid content K carried to the second opening portion 71j is guided to the solid content tank 74c in an aggregated state.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device 70 can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T. Further, the solid content separation device 70 handles the agglomerated solid content K and the liquid C separately in separate tanks. Therefore, the solid content separation device 70 may be able to reduce the amount of the solid content K guided to the cartridge type filter 55 as compared with the solid content separation device 60 shown in FIG. Therefore, the solid content separation device 70 may be able to reduce the decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55. Further, the solid content separation device 70 has fewer components than the solid content separation device 50 shown in FIG. 2 and can achieve the same effects as the solid content separation device 50.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a solid content separation device according to a fourth embodiment. The solid content separation device 80 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 9 includes a belt conveyor device 81 as solid content movement means, a positive electrode member 82 as aggregation means, a solid content collection blade 83, and a used liquid toner tank 84a. , A recycle carrier tank 84b, a solid content tank 84c as a solid content storage section, and a cartridge type filter 55. The belt conveyor device 81 includes a first roller 81a, a second roller 81b, a metal belt 81c as a flow path, and an aggregation portion 81d as a negative electrode portion. The first roller 81a can rotate around the rotation axis Zr1. The second roller 81b can rotate around the rotation axis Zr2. The rotation axis Zr1 and the rotation axis Zr2 are provided in parallel.

  The metal belt 81c is wound around the outer periphery of the first roller 81a and the outer periphery of the second roller 81b. The metal belt 81c is made of a conductive member and is electrically connected to the ground (earth). In this embodiment, at least one of the first roller 81a and the second roller 81b is made of a conductive member, and the roller made of the conductive member of the first roller 81a and the second roller 81b is a ground ( (Earth) is electrically connected. Thereby, the metal belt 81c that contacts the first roller 81a and the second roller 81b is electrically connected to the ground (earth).

  The positive electrode member 82 is disposed above the belt conveyor device 81 in the vertical direction. The positive electrode member 82 is provided to face the metal belt 81c in the vertical direction. In the metal belt 81c, the portion facing the positive electrode member 82 functions as the aggregation portion 81d. In the present embodiment, the first roller 81a and the second roller 81b rotate so that the solid content K on the aggregation portion 81d moves from the first roller 81a side toward the second roller 81b side. The solid content recovery blade 83 is configured to recover the solid content K aggregated between the positive electrode member 82 and the aggregation part 81d. Specifically, the solid content recovery blade 83 is provided to face a portion of the metal belt 81c that is located on the outer peripheral portion of the second roller 81b. The used liquid toner tank 84a is configured so that the used liquid toner T can be supplied to the aggregation unit 81d.

  Here, in the belt conveyor device 81 of the present embodiment, the aggregation portion 81d is provided so as to be inclined downward in the vertical direction from the first roller 81a toward the second roller 81b. Specifically, in the belt conveyor device 81, when the diameter of the first roller 81a and the diameter of the second roller 81b are the same, the rotation axis Zr2 is disposed below the rotation axis Zr1 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, in the belt conveyor device 81, when the rotation axis Zr2 and the rotation axis Zr1 are arranged at the same height in the vertical direction, the diameter of the second roller 81b is formed smaller than the diameter of the first roller 81a. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the used liquid toner T guided from the used liquid toner tank 84a to the metal belt 81c spills out from the first roller 81a side. However, the aggregation part 81d may be provided horizontally.

  The recycle carrier tank 84b is provided so as to receive the liquid C that has passed between the positive electrode member 82 and the aggregation portion 81d. Specifically, the recycled carrier tank 84b is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the belt conveyor device 81 so as to face the belt conveyor device 81 in the vertical direction. The solid content tank 84c is provided so as to receive the solid content K recovered by the solid content recovery blade 83. Specifically, the solid content tank 84c is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the solid content recovery blade 83 so as to face the solid content recovery blade 83 in the vertical direction.

  Next, a mechanism by which the solid content separation device 80 promotes the separation of the carrier contained in the liquid toner T and the solid content K will be described. In the solid content separator 80, the first roller 81a and the second roller 81b rotate in the same direction. As a result, the used liquid toner T supplied from the used liquid toner tank 84a to the metal belt 81c is guided between the positive electrode member 82 and the aggregation portion 81d. In the present embodiment, since the aggregation portion 81d is inclined, the used liquid toner T is attracted by gravity and moves toward the second roller 81b.

  The used liquid toner T guided between the positive electrode member 82 and the aggregation portion 81d is charged with positive (plus) solid content K. Thereby, the solid content separator 80 causes the solid content K to aggregate in the aggregation part 81d. The liquid C in which the solid content K is reduced passes between the positive electrode member 82 and the aggregation portion 81d. Then, the liquid C is guided to the used liquid toner tank 84a through a gap between the metal belt 81c and the solid content collection blade 83, for example. The liquid C guided to the used liquid toner tank 84a is further guided to the cartridge type filter 55. On the other hand, the solid content K aggregated in the aggregation portion 81d is recovered by the solid content recovery blade 83 in an aggregated state. The solid content K recovered by the solid content recovery blade 83 is guided to the solid content tank 84c.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device 80 can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T. The solid content separation device 80 handles the agglomerated solid content K and the liquid C separately in separate tanks. Therefore, the solid content separation device 80 can reduce the amount of the solid content K guided to the cartridge type filter 55. Therefore, the solid content separation device 80 can reduce a decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55. Thereby, the solid content separation apparatus 80 can reduce the frequency | count of a maintenance, and can reduce the effort which a maintenance requires.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a solid content separation device according to the fifth embodiment. The solid content separation device 85 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes a metal roller 86 as a solid content transfer means, a combined tank 87a, a solid content tank 87c as a solid content storage unit, and a positive electrode member 88 as a coagulation means. And a solid content recovery blade 89. The metal roller 86 can rotate around the rotation axis Zr3. The metal roller 86 is a conductive member and is electrically connected to the ground (earth). The combined tank 87a has the function of the used liquid toner tank 84a of Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 9 and the function of the recycled carrier tank 84b. In other words, the dual-purpose tank 87a is a container for storing the liquid C1 including the used liquid toner T and the liquid C in which the solid content K is reduced. The combined tank 87a is provided so that a part of the outer peripheral portion 86a of the metal roller 86 can be immersed in the liquid C1 accumulated inside itself (the combined tank 87a). The outer peripheral portion 86a of the metal roller 86 functions as a flow path.

  The positive electrode member 88 is provided to face the outer peripheral portion 86 a of the metal roller 86. In the positive electrode member 88, for example, a plurality of conductive wires are arranged along the outer peripheral portion 86a of the metal roller 86. In the metal roller 86, a portion of the outer peripheral portion 86a that faces the positive electrode member 88 functions as a negative electrode portion and an aggregation portion 86d. The solid content recovery blade 89 is configured to recover the aggregated solid content K on the outer peripheral portion 86 a of the metal roller 86. Specifically, the solid content collection blade 89 is provided to face the outer peripheral portion 86 a of the metal roller 86. The solid content tank 87 c is provided so as to receive the solid content K recovered by the solid content recovery blade 89. Specifically, the solid content tank 87 c is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the solid content recovery blade 89 so as to face the solid content recovery blade 89 in the vertical direction.

  Next, a mechanism by which the solid content separation device 85 promotes the separation of the carrier contained in the liquid toner T and the solid content K will be described. In the solid content separation device 85, the metal roller 86 rotates. As a result, the liquid C1 in the dual-purpose tank 87a is wound up on the outer peripheral portion 86a of the metal roller 86. The liquid C1 wound up by the metal roller 86 is guided between the positive electrode member 88 and the aggregation portion 86d. The liquid C introduced between the positive electrode member 88 and the aggregation portion 86d is positively charged with a solid content K. Thereby, the solid content separation device 85 causes the solid content K to aggregate in the aggregation part 86d. The liquid C in which the solid content K is reduced passes between the positive electrode member 88 and the aggregation portion 86d. Then, for example, the liquid C is guided to the combined tank 87 a through a gap between the outer peripheral portion 86 a of the metal roller 86 and the solid content recovery blade 89.

  On the other hand, the solid content K aggregated in the aggregation portion 86d is recovered by the solid content recovery blade 89 in an aggregated state. The solid content K recovered by the solid content recovery blade 89 is guided to the solid content tank 87c. The liquid C guided to the dual-purpose tank 87a is mixed with the liquid C1, but is later guided again between the positive electrode member 88 and the aggregation portion 86d. Thereby, the solid content separator 85 can reduce the solid content K contained in the liquid C1. The liquid C in the combined tank 87a is guided to the cartridge type filter 55 by the recycle carrier supply pump 17 shown in FIG.

  With the above configuration, the solid content separation device 85 can promote separation of the carrier and the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T. The solid content separation device 85 handles the agglomerated solid content K and the liquid C separately in separate tanks. Therefore, the solid content separation device 85 can reduce the amount of the solid content K guided to the cartridge type filter 55. Therefore, the solid content separation device 85 can reduce the decrease in the lifetime of the cartridge type filter 55. Thereby, the solid content separation apparatus 85 can reduce the frequency | count of a maintenance, and can reduce the effort which a maintenance requires.

  Here, each of the solid content separation devices of the first to fifth embodiments is an example of a device for the liquid toner T including the solid content K that is positively charged by corona discharge. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid toner T containing a solid content K that is negatively charged. In this case, each solid content separation device includes, for example, a second positive electrode member in addition to the positive electrode member and the negative electrode portion facing each other. The second positive electrode member is disposed on the downstream side of the flow of the liquid toner T from the positive electrode member and the negative electrode portion so as to be able to contact the liquid toner T. In this case, each solid content separator charges the solid content K negatively (minus) by the positive electrode member and the negative electrode part. Then, in each solid content separation device, the second positive electrode member attracts and aggregates the negatively charged solid content K. Even in this case, each solid content separation device can promote the separation of the carrier contained in the liquid toner T and the solid content K.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a solid content separation device according to the sixth embodiment. The solid content separation device 90 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is characterized in that the solid liquid K is promoted to aggregate by heating the used liquid toner T. The solid content separator 90 includes a heater 91 in addition to the solid content separator 50 shown in FIG. The other components of the solid content separation device 90 are the same as those of the solid content separation device 50 shown in FIG.

  The heater 91 is provided on the bottom surface 51a. The heater 91 may be in contact with the liquid toner flowing through the bottom surface 51a or may be provided so as not to be in contact therewith. In the present embodiment, the heater 91 is provided on the back surface of the bottom surface 51a (the surface on which the liquid toner T flows is the surface), or is provided on the front surface side of the bottom surface 51a with a sufficient distance from the bottom surface 51a. Thus, it is provided so as not to come into contact with the liquid toner T. The heater 91 is provided on the upstream side of the flow of the liquid toner T with respect to the positive electrode member 52 and the aggregation portion 51h. That is, the heater 91 is provided between the aggregation part 51h and the back surface 51c in the bottom surface 51a. The heater 91 heats the used liquid toner T flowing on the bottom surface 51a toward the aggregation part 51h.

  The heater 91 of the present embodiment heats the used liquid toner T to a glass transition point or higher, for example, 60 ° C. or higher. As for the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T heated to the glass transition point or higher, the dispersion material K2 shown in FIG. 4 falls off from the capsule K1. Alternatively, the solid material K is deformed by the dispersion material K2. Thereby, the function of the dispersing material K2 is reduced. The said function is a function which suppresses aggregation of solid content K and disperse | distributes solid content K in a carrier. As a result, the solid content K is more easily aggregated by corona discharge when passing through the aggregation part 51h.

  The liquid C that has passed through the aggregation part 51h is guided to the recycle carrier tank 54b. On the other hand, the solid content K aggregated and accumulated in the aggregation part 51h is guided to the solid content tank 54c by the extrusion blade 53. With the above configuration, the solid content separation device 90 can more suitably promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T. The solid content separation device 90 handles the agglomerated solid content K and the liquid C separately in separate tanks. Therefore, the solid content separation device 90 can reduce the amount of the solid content K guided to the cartridge type filter 55. Therefore, the solid content separation device 90 can reduce a decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55.

  Thus, the solid content separation device 90 of the present embodiment first heats the used liquid toner T, and guides the heated used liquid toner T between the positive electrode member and the aggregation portion. However, the solid content separation device 90 may heat the used liquid toner T and aggregate it by corona discharge at the same time. In this case, the heater 91 is provided in the aggregation part 51h. Even in this case, the solid content separator 90 can more suitably promote the aggregation of the solid content K.

  Note that the present embodiment is an example in which the concept of heating the used liquid toner T to promote aggregation of the solid content K is added to the solid content separation device 50 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, the concept may be added to the solid content separation device 60 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, or may be added to the solid content separation device 70 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. May be added to the solid content separation device 80 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, or may be added to the solid content separation device 85 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. When the concept is added to the solid content separation device 80 of Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 9, the heater 91 is provided to face the metal belt 81c, for example, and used liquid toner on the metal belt 81c. T is heated. Alternatively, the heater 91 is provided on the back side of the metal belt 81c (the side opposite to the surface on which the used liquid toner T is in contact) and heats the metal belt 81c, so that the used liquid toner on the metal belt 81c is used. T is heated. Further, when the concept is applied to the solid content separation device 85 of Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 10, the heater 91, for example, heats the metal roller 86 to use the used liquid toner on the metal belt 81c. T is heated.

  Even in these cases, each solid content separation device can promote the aggregation of the solid content K. Therefore, each solid content separation device can more suitably promote the separation between the carrier contained in the used liquid toner T and the solid content K. Each solid content separation device handles the agglomerated solid content K and liquid C separately in separate tanks. Therefore, each solid content separation device can reduce the amount of the solid content K guided to the cartridge type filter 55. Thereby, each solid content separation device can reduce a decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55.

(Modification)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a solid content separation device according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. The solid content separation device 95 of this modification shown in FIG. 12 is characterized in that the solid content K is aggregated by heating the used liquid toner T. The solid content separation device 95 is different from the solid content separation device 50 shown in FIG. 2 in that it includes a heater 96 as an aggregating means instead of the positive electrode member 52 shown in FIG. The other components of the solid content separation device 95 are the same as those of the solid content separation device 50 shown in FIG.

  The heater 96 is provided on the bottom surface 51a. The heater 96 is provided so as not to contact the liquid toner flowing through the bottom surface 51a. In the present embodiment, the heater 96 is provided on the back surface of the bottom surface 51a (the surface on which the liquid toner T flows is used as the surface), or is provided on the surface side of the bottom surface 51a with a sufficient distance from the bottom surface 51a. . The heater 96 is provided between the opening 51e and the back surface 51c in the bottom surface 51a. In the bottom surface 51a, a portion where the heater 96 is provided functions as the aggregation portion 51h. The heater 96 heats the used liquid toner T that passes through the aggregation part 51h. The heater 96 of this embodiment heats the used liquid toner T to a glass transition point or higher, for example, 60 ° C. or higher. Thereby, the function of the dispersing material K2 shown in FIG. 4 is reduced. In this way, the solid content separation device 95 aggregates the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T that passes through the aggregation unit 51h.

  The liquid C that has passed through the aggregation part 51h is guided to the recycle carrier tank 54b. On the other hand, the solid content K aggregated and accumulated in the aggregation part 51h is guided to the solid content tank 54c by the extrusion blade 53. With the above configuration, the solid content separation device 95 can promote separation of the carrier and the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T. The solid content separation device 95 handles the agglomerated solid content K and the liquid C separately in separate tanks. Therefore, the solid content separation device 95 can reduce the amount of the solid content K guided to the cartridge type filter 55. Therefore, the solid content separation device 95 can reduce a decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55.

  Note that the present embodiment is an example in which the concept of heating the used liquid toner T and aggregating the solid content K is applied to the solid content separation device 50 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, the concept may be applied to the solid content separation device 60 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, or may be applied to the solid content separation device 70 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. May be applied to the solid content separation device 80 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, or may be applied to the solid content separation device 85 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.

  Even in these cases, each solid content separation device can promote separation of the carrier and the solid content K contained in the used liquid toner T. Each solid content separation device handles the agglomerated solid content K and liquid C separately in separate tanks. Therefore, each solid content separation device can reduce the amount of the solid content K guided to the cartridge type filter 55. Therefore, each solid content separation device can reduce a decrease in the life of the cartridge type filter 55.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing a solid content separation device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the solid content separation device according to the seventh embodiment. The solid content separation device separates the liquid toner on the roller into solid content and carrier by aggregating means, recovers the carrier, further separates the carrier remaining in the solid content, and then separates the separated carrier from the aggregating means. It is characterized in that it is returned to the opposite side of the rotation direction of the roller.

  The solid content separation device 100 includes a roller 101 as a flow path, a carrier supply port 107, a solid content removal blade 103 as a scraping means, a tray 104 as a carrier separation means, and a carrier transport pump 106 as a circulation means. And including. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the carrier collection | recovery blade 102 as a carrier collection | recovery means, the carrier tank 105, and the positive electrode member 88 are included.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the roller 101 rotates about the rotation axis ZM (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 14). The roller 101 is supplied with the used liquid toner T from the carrier supply port 107 to the outer peripheral surface 101S. That is, the carrier supply port 107 supplies the liquid toner T collected by the liquid toner collection pumps 41 a, 41 b, 41 c to the outer peripheral surface 101 </ b> S of the roller 101. In the present embodiment, the carrier supply port 107 also supplies the carrier (liquid C) that is separated from the solid content K by the tray 104 and returned to the carrier supply port 107 by the carrier transport pump 106 to the outer peripheral surface 101 </ b> S of the roller 101. A part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 101 corresponds to a flow path through which the liquid toner T can flow. The roller 101 is made of a conductor. The roller 101 is electrically connected to GND (ground).

  In this embodiment, the solid content separation device 100 includes a used liquid toner tank that temporarily stores a carrier (liquid C) separated by the tray 104 from the solid content K, and a carrier in the used liquid toner tank. You may have the liquid toner conveyance pump as a supply means supplied to the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101. FIG. In this case, the carrier from which the tray 104 is separated from the solid content K is supplied to the used liquid toner tank by the carrier transport pump 106 and temporarily stored therein. In the used liquid toner tank, the liquid toner T collected by the liquid toner collection pumps 41a, 41b and 41c is also temporarily stored. The liquid toner transport pump supplies the carrier and the liquid toner T in the used liquid toner tank to the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101.

  The positive electrode member 88 as aggregating means is provided between the position where the carrier supply port 107 supplies the liquid toner T to the outer peripheral portion 101 </ b> S of the roller 101 and the solid content removing blade 103. The positive electrode member 88 is provided to face the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101, and is disposed at a predetermined interval so as not to contact the liquid toner T adhering to the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101. In the positive electrode member 88, for example, a plurality of conductive wires are arranged along the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101. In the roller 101, a portion of the outer peripheral surface 101 </ b> S that faces the positive electrode member 88 functions as a negative electrode portion and an aggregation portion.

  By performing corona discharge between the positive electrode member 88 and the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101, the liquid toner T adhering to the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101 is charged positively (plus). By doing so, the solid content K contained in the liquid toner T moves to the negative electrode side, that is, the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101. As a result, the solid contents K are densely packed together and aggregate on the outer peripheral surface 101S side of the roller 101. On the other hand, the carrier contained in the liquid toner T is separated as the liquid C to the positive electrode member 88 side.

  The carrier recovery blade 102 is provided on the rotation direction side of the roller 101 with respect to the positive electrode member 88. The carrier recovery blade 102 contacts the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101 and separates the liquid C, that is, the carrier, from the liquid toner T adhering to the outer peripheral surface 101S. More specifically, the carrier recovery blade 102 scrapes off the liquid C that has been separated from the solid content K by the positive electrode member 88 and the outer peripheral surface 101 </ b> S of the roller 101 and moved to the outside in the radial direction of the roller 101. The liquid C recovered by the carrier recovery blade 102 is supplied to the cartridge type filter 55 by the recycle carrier supply pump 17 shown in FIG. The carrier recovery blade 102 has higher flexibility (lower bending rigidity) than the solid content removal blade 103. The carrier recovery blade 102 is made of a resin film, for example.

  The solid content removing blade 103 is provided on the rotation direction side of the roller 101 with respect to the carrier supply port 107, and contacts the outer peripheral surface 101S to scrape off the solid content K attached to the outer peripheral surface 101S. The solid content K scraped off by the solid content removal blade 103 falls to a tray 104 provided below the solid content removal blade 103. One end of the tray 104 is inclined downward. With such a structure, the tray 104 separates the liquid C remaining in the solid content K scraped by the solid content removal blade 103 from the solid content K by using the action of gravity. The liquid C is stored in the carrier tank 105 after passing through the net 104N. The tray 104 has a net 104N at the lower end. The net 104 </ b> N is means for preventing the solid content K from which the liquid (carrier) C has been separated from dropping into the carrier tank 105.

  The liquid C stored in the carrier tank 105 is supplied to the carrier supply port by the carrier transport pump 106. That is, the carrier transport pump 106 returns the carrier (liquid C) from which the tray 104 is separated from the solid content K to the carrier supply port 107. Thus, after separating the carrier remaining in the solid content K, the solid content separation device 100 returns the carrier 101 to the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101 and separates the solid content K by the positive electrode member 88.

  The carrier (liquid C) separated from the solid content K by the tray 104 may remain in the solid content K even after passing through the net 104N. The solid content separation device 100 returns the carrier (liquid C) separated from the solid content K to the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101 and repeats the separation of the solid content K by the positive electrode member 88, thereby remaining in the carrier (liquid C). The amount of solid content K to be reduced is reduced. As a result, the impurities contained in the carrier (liquid C) supplied to the filter 55 can be greatly reduced, so that the life of the filter 55 can be extended.

  In the present embodiment, the solid content removing blade 103 is fixed to a bracket 108 as a fixing means. The solid content removing blade 103 is kept at a constant distance from the roller 101. In the present embodiment, the solid content removing blade 103 may always be in contact with the outer peripheral surface 101 </ b> S of the roller 101. For this reason, since it is not necessary to switch the solid content removing blade 103 to contact or non-contact with the outer peripheral surface 101S, the support structure of the solid content removing blade 103 can be simplified. Further, an actuator for moving the solid content removing blade 103 is not required.

  After separating the carrier remaining in the solid content K, the solid content separation device 100 returns to the outer peripheral surface 101S of the roller 101 and repeats the separation of the solid content K by the positive electrode member 88. By doing in this way, the solid content separator 100 can improve the collection | recovery rate of a carrier. Further, the solid content separation apparatus 100 can improve the concentration ratio of the waste toner by repeating the above-described separation operation, that is, the separation of the carrier and the separation of the solid content K. Furthermore, the solid content separation device 100 can recover the carrier even by a weak pressing force by the carrier recovery blade 102 by repeating the above-described separation operation. In addition, the solid content separation apparatus 100 can ensure a sufficient carrier recovery rate and waste toner concentration rate regardless of the degree of waste toner scraping by the solid content removal blade 103 by repeating the above-described separation operation. . For this reason, setting of the solid content removal blade 103 becomes easy.

  The solid content separation device 100 can recover the carrier by repeating the above-described separation operation even with a weak pressing force by the carrier recovery blade 102, so that it is difficult for the solid content to be mixed into the recovered carrier. For this reason, the purity of the recovered carrier is improved. The solid content separation device 100 can improve the purity of the recovered carrier by repeating the above-described separation operation, and can extend the life of the cartridge type filter 55 at the subsequent stage.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electrophotographic printing apparatus 11 Printing part 12 Intermediate transfer body 12a Blanket 13 Backup roller 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d Developing unit 15 Photosensitive drum 16a １６ 16b Liquid toner conveyance roller 17 Recycle carrier supply pump 20 Liquid toner supply apparatus 21 Conc tank 21a Bottle toner 22 Carrier tank 22a Carrier can 23 Liquid toner tank 24 Stirring tank 25a Concent pump 25b, 32 Carrier pump 25c Liquid toner pump 25d, 25e Recovery pump 26, 34a, 34b, 34c Recovery blade 27 Concentration sensor 30 Cleaning device 31 Carrier nozzle 33a First cleaning roller 33b Second cleaning roller 40 Carrier recovery device 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, 95 Solid content separation device 41a, 41b, 41c liquid toner recovery pump 51, 71 trays (passage)
51a Bottom 51b Side 51c Back 51d Open part 51e Opening (solid content discharge part)
51f Open / close member 51g Electric actuator 51h, 81d, 86d Aggregation part (negative electrode part)
52, 82, 88 Positive electrode member (aggregation means)
53 Extruding blade (solid content moving means)
53a, 63a, 73a Cylinder device (solid content moving means)
54a, 84a Used liquid toner tank 54b, 84b Recycle carrier tank 54c, 74c, 84c, 87c Solid content tank (solid content storage unit)
55 Cartridge type filter 61 Bag type filter (solid content storage part)
71d 1st opening part 71j 2nd opening part (solid content discharge part)
81 Belt conveyor device (solid content moving means)
81a 1st roller 81b 2nd roller 81c Metal belt (negative electrode part)
83, 89 Solid content recovery blade 86 Metal roller (Solid content transfer means)
86a Outer peripheral part (flow path)
87a Combined tank 91 Heater 96 Heater (coagulation means)
C, C1 Liquid K Solid content K1 Capsule K2 Dispersant K3 Dye N1, N2 Nip part S Print sheet T Liquid toner Zr, Zr1, Zr2, Zr3 Rotating shaft

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention is a flow path through which liquid toner containing a carrier and solid content dispersed in the carrier can flow. Aggregating means that is provided so as to be in non-contact with the liquid toner flowing through the flow path, and agglomerating means for aggregating the solid content; A solid content moving means capable of moving the agglomerated solid content to the solid content storage unit and the flow path to guide the agglomerated solid content to the solid content storage unit A solid content discharge part, and the flow path includes a negative electrode part electrically connected to a ground, and the aggregating means is provided to face the negative electrode part, and between the negative electrode part Positive electrode member capable of corona discharge The solid content moving means includes a blade and blade moving means capable of moving the blade along the flow path to the solid content discharging section, and the solid content discharging section is an opening. And an opening / closing member provided in the flow path and capable of opening and closing the opening .

Moreover, the solid content separator for liquid toner according to the present invention can charge the solid content by corona discharge. The solid content negatively (minus) charged by corona discharge is aggregated in the negative electrode portion. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the solid content contained in the liquid toner.

In the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the positive electrode member does not contact the liquid toner. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the solid content adheres to the positive electrode member. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance.

Furthermore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention charges the solid content using corona discharge. Corona discharge is a local discharge. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can ensure a wider distance between the electrodes than when a bias voltage is applied between, for example, two opposing electrode surfaces. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can secure a wide flow path through which the liquid toner flows, so that the possibility of clogging the solid content in the flow path between the electrodes can be reduced. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can suitably reduce the labor required for maintenance.

Moreover, the solid content separator for liquid toner according to the present invention can collect the agglomerated solid content in the solid content storage unit. The solid content collected in the solid content storage is removed during maintenance. The operation of removing the solid content collected in the solid content storage unit is easier than the operation of replacing the cartridge type filter, for example. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance.

Further, according to the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can guide the solid content aggregated from the solid content discharge section to the solid content storage section. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can collect the aggregated solid content in the solid content storage unit.

Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention opens the opening / closing member when the aggregated solid content is guided to the solid content storage unit, and guides the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit. When there is no contact, the opening / closing member closes. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can handle the solid content and the liquid toner (mainly carrier) having a reduced solid content separately. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can more suitably promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention is a flow path through which liquid toner containing a carrier and solid content dispersed in the carrier can flow. And an aggregating means for aggregating the solid content from the liquid toner, and a solid content capable of storing the solid content agglomerated by the aggregating means A storage unit, and solid content moving means capable of moving the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit, wherein the flow path includes a negative electrode unit electrically connected to a ground, The aggregating means includes a positive electrode member provided to face the negative electrode part and capable of performing corona discharge with the negative electrode part, and the solid content moving means includes an outer peripheral part including the negative electrode part. And a roller having the outer periphery A solid content recovery blade provided at a position facing the solid content recovery blade, and the roller is located on the rotation direction side of the solid content recovery blade from the position of the outer peripheral portion facing the solid content recovery blade and the negative electrode At least a part of the outer peripheral portion up to the position of the outer peripheral portion where the portion is disposed is provided to be rotatable while being in contact with the liquid toner stored in the container.

With the above configuration, in the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the aggregating means does not contact the liquid toner. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the solid content adheres to the aggregation means. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance. Further, when the aggregating means comes into contact with the liquid toner, there is a possibility that the solid content contained in the liquid toner adheres. When the solid content adheres, the aggregation means may cause insufficient aggregation of the solid content. However, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of solid content adhering to the aggregating means as described above. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the aggregation of the solid content. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

Moreover, the solid content separator for liquid toner according to the present invention can charge the solid content by corona discharge. The solid content negatively (minus) charged by corona discharge is aggregated in the negative electrode portion. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the solid content contained in the liquid toner.

In the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the positive electrode member does not contact the liquid toner. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the solid content adheres to the positive electrode member. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance.

Furthermore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention charges the solid content using corona discharge. Corona discharge is a local discharge. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can ensure a wider distance between the electrodes than when a bias voltage is applied between, for example, two opposing electrode surfaces. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can secure a wide flow path through which the liquid toner flows, so that the possibility of clogging the solid content in the flow path between the electrodes can be reduced. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can suitably reduce the labor required for maintenance.

Moreover, the solid content separator for liquid toner according to the present invention can collect the agglomerated solid content in the solid content storage unit. The solid content collected in the solid content storage is removed during maintenance. The operation of removing the solid content collected in the solid content storage unit is easier than the operation of replacing the cartridge type filter, for example. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance.

In addition, with the above-described configuration, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can guide the aggregated solid content to the solid content storage unit. Further, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can aggregate the solid content contained in the newly introduced liquid toner while moving the aggregated solid content. Thereby, the solid content separation apparatus for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the accumulation amount of the aggregated solid content. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in the charge amount of the solid content. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to include a heater capable of heating the liquid toner flowing through the flow path.

The solid content includes a dispersion material. The function of the dispersion material is lowered when the temperature exceeds the glass transition point. The said function is a function which suppresses aggregation of the said solid content and disperse | distributes solid content in a carrier. With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the function by heating the liquid toner. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote aggregation of the solid content contained in the liquid toner.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention includes a roller capable of flowing a liquid toner including a carrier and the solid content dispersed in the carrier. A flow path that is a part of the outer peripheral surface, an aggregating unit that is provided in a non-contact manner with the liquid toner flowing through the flow path, and supplies the liquid toner to the outer peripheral surface. A supply means; a scraping means provided on the rotation direction side of the roller with respect to the supply means; scraping the solid content in contact with the outer peripheral surface; and the carrier from the solid content scraped off by the scraping means. Carrier separating means for separating the carrier, and circulation means for returning the carrier separated by the carrier separating means to a side opposite to the rotation direction of the roller from the aggregating means, wherein the aggregating means comprises the supply Characterized in that provided between the scraping means and stages.

With the above configuration, in the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the aggregating means does not contact the liquid toner. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the solid content adheres to the aggregation means. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance. Further, when the aggregating means comes into contact with the liquid toner, there is a possibility that the solid content contained in the liquid toner adheres. When the solid content adheres, the aggregation means may cause insufficient aggregation of the solid content. However, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of solid content adhering to the aggregating means as described above. Therefore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the aggregation of the solid content. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content.

The solid content separation device according to the present invention separates the liquid toner on the roller into the solid content and the carrier, further separates the carrier remaining in the solid content, and then rotates the separated carrier to rotate the roller more than the aggregating means. Return to the opposite side. By doing in this way, the concentration rate of waste solid content improves and volume reduction of waste solid content can be performed.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the carrier is further separated from the liquid toner that is provided on the rotation direction side of the roller with respect to the aggregating unit and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface and adhered to the outer peripheral surface. It is desirable to have carrier recovery means . With such a configuration, the solid content separation device according to the present invention can recover a carrier having high purity in which mixing of solid content is suppressed.

As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the scraping means is fixed to a fixing means, and a distance from the roller is constant. Since the scraping means may always be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller, the support structure of the scraping means can be simplified by fixing the scraping means.

As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the flow path includes a negative electrode portion that is electrically connected to a ground, and the aggregating means is provided to face the negative electrode portion so as to corona with the negative electrode portion. It is desirable to include a positive electrode member capable of discharging .

With the above configuration, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can charge the solid content by corona discharge. The solid content negatively (minus) charged by corona discharge is aggregated in the negative electrode portion. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can promote the separation of the carrier and the solid content. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the solid content contained in the liquid toner.

In the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention, the positive electrode member does not contact the liquid toner. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the solid content adheres to the positive electrode member. As a result, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can reduce labor required for maintenance.

Furthermore, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention charges the solid content using corona discharge. Corona discharge is a local discharge. Therefore, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can ensure a wider distance between the electrodes than when a bias voltage is applied between, for example, two opposing electrode surfaces. Thereby, the solid content separation device for liquid toner according to the present invention can secure a wide flow path through which the liquid toner flows, so that the possibility of clogging the solid content in the flow path between the electrodes can be reduced. As a result, the liquid toner solid content separation device according to the present invention can suitably reduce the labor required for maintenance.

Claims (13)

A flow path through which liquid toner containing a carrier and a solid content dispersed in the carrier can flow;
Aggregating means provided so as to be in non-contact with the liquid toner flowing through the flow path, and aggregating the solid content;
A solid content separation device for liquid toner. The flow path includes a negative electrode portion electrically connected to the ground,
The aggregation means includes
2. The solid content separation device for liquid toner according to claim 1, further comprising a positive electrode member provided to face the negative electrode part and capable of performing corona discharge with the negative electrode part. A solid content storage section capable of storing the solid content aggregated by the aggregation means;
Solid content moving means capable of moving the agglomerated solid content to the solid content storage unit;
The solid content separation device for liquid toner according to claim 2, comprising: A solid content discharge unit provided in the flow path and capable of guiding the agglomerated solid content to the solid content storage unit;
The solid content moving means includes
A blade,
Blade moving means capable of moving the blade along the flow path to the solid content discharger;
The solid content separation device for liquid toner according to claim 3, comprising: The solid content discharge part is an opening,
The liquid toner solid content separation device according to claim 4, further comprising an opening / closing member provided in the flow path and capable of opening and closing the opening.   The solid content storage part has a filter part capable of repairing the aggregated solid content and allowing the carrier to pass therethrough, and the liquid toner that has passed between the positive electrode member and the negative electrode part, and The solid content separation device for liquid toner according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the solid content aggregated can be guided.   4. The solid content separation for liquid toner according to claim 3, wherein the solid content moving means is a belt conveyor device having a belt including the negative electrode portion, and the liquid toner can be supplied to the belt. apparatus. The solid content moving means is a roller having an outer peripheral part including the negative electrode part,
The liquid toner solid content separation device according to claim 3, wherein the roller is rotatably provided while at least a part of the outer peripheral portion is in contact with the liquid toner.   The liquid toner solid content separation device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a heater capable of heating the liquid toner.   The solid content separation device for liquid toner according to claim 1, wherein the aggregation unit includes a heater capable of heating the liquid toner. The flow path is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller,
Supply means for supplying the liquid toner to the outer peripheral portion;
Scraping means provided on the rotation direction side of the roller with respect to the supply means, and scraping the solid content in contact with the outer peripheral surface;
Carrier separating means for separating the carrier from the solid content scraped off by the scraping means;
Circulating means for returning the carrier separated by the carrier separating means to the opposite side of the rotation direction of the roller from the aggregating means,
The liquid toner solid content separation device according to claim 1, wherein the aggregating unit is provided between the supply unit and the scraping unit.   12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a carrier recovery unit that is provided on a rotational direction side of the roller with respect to the aggregation unit and separates the carrier from the liquid toner that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface and adheres to the outer peripheral surface. 2. A solid content separation device for liquid toner according to 1.   The liquid toner solid content separation device according to claim 11, wherein the scraping unit is fixed to a fixing unit, and a distance from the roller is constant.

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