WO1999009460A1 - Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same - Google Patents
Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the sameInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999009460A1 WO1999009460A1 PCT/JP1998/003678 JP9803678W WO9909460A1 WO 1999009460 A1 WO1999009460 A1 WO 1999009460A1 JP 9803678 W JP9803678 W JP 9803678W WO 9909460 A1 WO9909460 A1 WO 9909460A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- valve
- valve element
- valve body
- discharge
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/10—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
- G03G15/104—Preparing, mixing, transporting or dispensing developer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
- G03G15/0867—Arrangements for supplying new developer cylindrical developer cartridges, e.g. toner bottles for the developer replenishing opening
- G03G15/0868—Toner cartridges fulfilling a continuous function within the electrographic apparatus during the use of the supplied developer material, e.g. toner discharge on demand, storing residual toner, acting as an active closure for the developer replenishing opening
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
- G03G15/0867—Arrangements for supplying new developer cylindrical developer cartridges, e.g. toner bottles for the developer replenishing opening
- G03G15/087—Developer cartridges having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
- G03G15/0875—Arrangements for supplying new developer cartridges having a box like shape
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
- G03G15/0881—Sealing of developer cartridges
- G03G15/0886—Sealing of developer cartridges by mechanical means, e.g. shutter, plug
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
- G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
- G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
- G03G2215/0673—Generally vertically mounting of said toner cartridge parallel to its longitudinal rotational axis
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
- G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
- G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
- G03G2215/0678—Bottle shaped container having a bottle neck for toner discharge
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
- G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
- G03G2215/0682—Bag-type non-rigid container
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a toner cartridge for supplying powder or liquid toner (a printing ink) to a developing device such as a copying machine, a printer, a printing device, and the like, and an opening and closing structure of the toner passage. Things. Background art
- Powder or liquid toner as an electrophotographic developer used in copiers, printers, printers, and the like is generally enclosed in a toner cartridge and supplied to an apparatus such as a copier. Then, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge to a toner storage tank of a copying machine or the like.
- a sticker was attached to the toner discharge port and the seal was removed at the time of replenishment. However, once the seal was removed, the discharge port could not be closed again. .
- a valve body is provided at a toner discharge port, and the valve body is urged in a closing direction by a spring (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-88078 (JP, A)). No. 7- 4 4 0 0 5. ( JP: A) Hei 8- 1 3 7 2 2 9 ( JP, A)).
- JP Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-88078
- JP Hei 8- 1 3 7 2 2 9
- the spring may loosen, causing a small amount of toner leakage. .
- the conventional toner container a container whose content does not change even when the toner is used, such as a hard synthetic resin, is mainly used.
- the toner may remain in the toner container for a long time. In such a case, the air in the toner container and the toner come into contact with each other for a long period of time. Disclosure of the invention
- an object of the present invention is to provide a toner power cartridge that can reliably and easily close a toner distribution port.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge which can prevent the deterioration of the toner in the toner container for a long time even in the case of sequentially supplying toner from the toner cartridge according to the toner consumption. To provide the same.
- Still another object of the present invention is to make it possible to open and close the distribution port reliably and easily, and in particular, to supply only the toner consumption reduction in the developing device such as a copying machine sequentially from the toner cartridge.
- Ru c to provide a toner cart Li Tsuji suitable method
- the distribution port can be easily closed with a relatively simple structure, and, once the distribution port is closed, the closed state can be reliably maintained.
- the company intends to provide a mechanism for opening and closing the power grid.
- the present invention provides the following means in order to solve the above technical problems.
- a toner cartridge including a toner container containing a powder or liquid toner for a developing device, and a connection portion for supplying toner from the toner container to the developing device.
- the connecting portion has a flow opening, and the connecting portion opens a flow opening provided in the connecting portion when the valve operating portion of the developing device is in operation, and also opens the flow opening when the valve operating portion of the developing device is inactive.
- a toner cartridge having a valve body for closing a mouth and discharging toner from an open circulation port is provided.
- connection portion is a toner discharge portion when toner is discharged from the toner cartridge, and its distribution port is a toner discharge port.
- toner When toner is charged, it becomes a toner charging section, and its distribution port is a toner charging port (the same applies hereinafter).
- the toner container includes a contraction portion that contracts in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container.
- a flow opening is opened by an operation of a valve element operating portion of the developing device, and the toner is opened.
- One is replenished.
- the valve element operating portion of the developing device is deactivated, the flow port is closed by the valve element, and leakage of toner from the flow port is prevented.
- the operation of the valve element operating section may be, for example, moving the valve element while approaching or moving away from the valve element, or the valve element operating section itself may be stopped at a fixed position and the cartridge side may operate the valve element. It may be configured to change the valve body operating part to the operating state or the non-operating state by approaching and separating from the body operating part. This operation may be performed automatically or may be manually activated to switch between an active state and a non-active state.
- the toner container since the toner container has a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container, the toner capacity of one toner container is increased as the toner is discharged. Contracts. This prevents air from entering the toner container.
- the toner can be prevented from deteriorating even if toner is not replenished for a long period of time.
- the toner is injected from a connection portion of the toner container from a contracted portion of the toner container.
- the valve body has a main fitting portion that closes the flow opening by fitting into the flow opening, and a connecting portion that connects to the valve operating portion of the developing device.
- the connecting portion moves together with the valve operating portion while being connected to the valve operating portion, and the main fitting portion and the flow port Provided is a device characterized by being fitted with the device.
- the toner container is filled with the toner by injecting the toner from the connection portion from the contracted portion of the toner container, the toner container is filled with the toner.
- the toner can be filled in the toner container from a state where almost no air is mixed.
- a bouch when filling the inside, it is filled from a location separate from the outlet and sealed by heat welding. is there.
- the filled contents may intervene in the heat-welded portion.
- the content is a liquid or a granular material, if the filling amount is large, the content may reach the welded portion.
- the toner can be filled in the toner container from a state in which almost no air is mixed in the toner container, so that the container can be almost completely filled with the toner. It can prevent toner deterioration even after long-term storage.
- the valve body has a main fitting portion that closes the flow opening by fitting into the flow opening, and has a connecting portion that is connected to the valve body operating portion of the developing device.
- the connecting portion moves together with the valve operating portion in a state where the connecting portion is connected to the valve operating portion, and the main fitting portion and the distribution port are connected.
- the flow opening is formed by fitting the main fitting portion of the valve body with the flow opening (particularly, forced fitting performed by deforming the material of at least one of the two members to be fitted). Sealed tightly.
- it is difficult to apply a spring or the like but the valve body is moved by connecting the connecting portion of the valve body and the valve body operating portion to realize the above-mentioned forced fitting. Things.
- connection between the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion is a connection between the valve body and the valve body operating portion with a strength that allows the main fitting portion to be fitted to the distribution port, particularly the force fitting.
- the connecting portion and the valve element operating portion are forcibly fitted, or a locking hole is provided on one side, and a projection engaging with this locking hole is provided on the other side. It is possible to exemplify a structure in which the two are joined together, or are screwed together with a screw, or furthermore, are connected with each other by a magnetic force.
- the present invention is implemented by directly connecting the distribution port and a storage location such as a toner storage tank on the developing device side by a closed discharge path around a cylinder or the like.
- a storage location such as a toner storage tank on the developing device side
- the valve operating section on the developing device side is formed as a hollow cylinder, and the valve operating section itself also serves as a discharge path. What is necessary is just to implement it as what connects the valve body operation part and the inside of a toner container. Further, when the valve element operating part does not double as the discharge path, the closed discharge path such as a cylindrical shape may be applied to or fitted to the circulation port.
- the toner container includes a second connection portion separate from the connection portion, and the second connection portion selectively performs the flow of air to the outside.
- the toner cartridge is characterized in that the pressure inside the toner container is adjusted.
- the pressure in the container can be adjusted, and the toner can be smoothly charged or discharged.
- the toner container is filled with the toner by injecting the toner from the connection part, so that the toner is not allowed to flow out of the container after the toner container is filled with the toner.
- the toner in the toner container is characterized in that the air in the toner container is discharged by an air discharging means for discharging the air.
- the air in the container can be discharged, which is effective in adjusting the pressure in the container and preventing deterioration of the toner.
- a toner cartridge connecting portion for supplying a toner of powder or liquid for a developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device, wherein the connecting portion has a flow opening.
- Body a valve body that opens and closes the communication port by approaching and separating from the communication port, fixing means for fixing the valve element with the communication port closed, and opening the valve element by being connected to the valve element.
- the present invention provides an opening / closing mechanism for a toner cartridge distribution port, comprising: a valve element operating unit that moves between a state and a closed state.
- the connection portion when the supply of toner is required in a developing device such as a copying machine, the connection portion is opened and the toner is supplied by the operation of the valve operating portion.
- the valve element operating section When the required amount is replenished, the valve element operating section is deactivated, the connection section is closed by the valve element, and leakage of toner from the connection section is prevented.
- the operation of the valve body operating section may be, for example, moving the valve while approaching or moving away from the valve body, or the valve body operating section itself may be stopped at a fixed position and the cartridge side may operate the valve.
- valve body operation unit may change whether the valve body operation unit is in the operation state or in the non-operation state.
- This operation may be performed automatically, or may be manually activated to switch between an active state and a non-active state.
- the valve body operation unit may be separate from the valve body, or may be integrated.
- the toner container may have a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container, but may be a container that cannot be deformed, such as a hard synthetic resin. However, when the toner container is provided with a contraction portion, the toner container is contracted with the discharge of the toner. As a result, air can be prevented from entering the toner container, and the toner in the toner container can be prevented from being deteriorated even when toner is not supplied for a long time. There is.
- the connection portion of the toner cartridge for supplying the toner or the toner for the developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device has a flow port.
- a valve operating part is provided to move between an open state and a closed state.
- the valve operating part is provided inside and outside the flow opening, and a valve body operating part arranged outside the flow opening is operated by a valve.
- valve body and a valve operating portion for operating the valve body are a body, and the valve operating portion operates the valve working part.
- the valve body operation unit is provided in the developing device, and the valve body operation unit is operated only when the development device needs to supply toner. And opening the valve element to close the valve element when the supply of toner is completed, thereby operating the valve rest operation section to close the valve element.
- the valve is provided only when the developing device needs to supply the toner.
- At least one of the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion is moved to relatively move the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion.
- connection and disconnection of the connection portion of the toner cartridge and the valve element operation portion of the developing device can be more easily performed.
- the toner cartridge according to each invention of the present application includes various developing and printing devices (hereinafter simply referred to as developing devices) such as a copier, a printer (a laser printer, a printer, a printer), and a printer. It refers to a cartridge for supplying powder or liquid toner (which carries a printing ink) to the printer.
- this developing device has a storage tank for storing toner once, and a type in which the toner is dropped from the toner cartridge into the storage tank.
- the present invention can be applied to any of those types.
- the first and second inventions of the present application can reliably and easily open and close the discharge port.
- only the toner consumption in the developing device can be sequentially reduced from the toner force to the trigger force.
- a toner discharge path can be filled as a toner charging path, thereby providing a toner cartridge that can reliably and easily perform a destruction operation. It was something that could be done.
- toner can be replenished by directly connecting the discharge port to the storage area such as the toner storage tank of the developing device, so that toner can be prevented from scattering inside the device and air entrapment during charging is also prevented. This makes it possible to replenish toner while maintaining high toner quality.
- the contracted portion of the toner container contracts in accordance with the decrease in the toner, so that no space is generated in the toner container. That
- the third invention of the present application provides the effects of the first and second inventions, in addition to the simple operation of the valve element operating portion of the developing device, without the need to bias the valve element by a spring or the like. Therefore, the fitting with the outlet can be surely achieved, and the simple closing and operation of the outlet can realize the reliable sealing of the outlet.
- the toner container by filling the toner container with the toner by injecting the toner from the discharge portion from the state where the contracted portion of the toner container is contracted, the inside of the container can be almost completely filled with toner. It can prevent toner deterioration even after long-term storage, and can increase the filling speed.
- the pressure inside the toner container can be adjusted, and the deterioration of the toner can be prevented by discharging the air inside the container.
- connection portion can be easily closed with a relatively simple structure, and further, once the connection portion is closed, the closed state can be surely maintained.
- a valve body and a valve operating unit for operating the valve body are formed as a body, and the valve operating unit can operate the valve operating unit.
- the valve element is opened only when the developing device needs to supply the toner, and is closed when the supply is completed, so that the inflow of air into the toner container is more completely prevented. Can be prevented.
- connection and disconnection of the connection portion of the toner cartridge and the valve element operation portion of the development device can be more easily performed by the operating member provided in the development device.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 Replacement form (Rule 26) 2A is a plan view of the discharge section of the cartridge
- FIG. 2B is a longitudinal sectional view of the discharge section
- FIG. 2C is a valve of a device such as a copying machine. It is sectional drawing of a body operation part.
- FIG. 3 are cross-sectional views each showing a toner discharging step of the cartridge.
- FIG. 4 are explanatory views of the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge discharge section according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a toner cartridge discharging portion according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge discharge unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A shows a closed state and FIG. 7B shows an open state.
- FIGS. 8 (A), 8 (B), 9 (A), 9 (B), and 9 (C) are process explanatory diagrams each showing an operating state of the valve element.
- FIG. 10 is a half cross-sectional view of a toner power cartridge discharge unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a discharge portion of a toner cartridge according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lever portion which is an operation member according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a slide lever portion which is an operation member according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram of an operation state thereof.
- FIG. 16 is a plan view of a slide rehearser according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a front view of the slide lever according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a side view of the slide lever according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an operation member according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the toner cartridge includes a toner container 1 containing powder or liquid toner for a developing device, and a discharge unit 2 for supplying toner from the toner container to the developing device for replenishment. Is provided.
- the entire toner container 1 is a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container.
- the entire toner container 1 is configured by a flexible bag called a bouch.
- the bag material is a bag using a synthetic resin film, and the film may be a single film or a composite film in which a plurality of types of films are laminated. Further, a paper bag or cloth bag having a resin film layer formed on the inner surface may be used. Further, a so-called bag-in box in which these bags are stored in a container having higher rigidity than a film such as a paper box may be used.
- the discharge unit 2 is provided at an appropriate position of the toner container 1.
- the toner container 1 is a bouch in which the entire periphery is heat-sealed, so the force provided in the middle part of the heat-sealing part 11, the corner part 12, and the center part 1 of the bag 1 3 may be provided.
- the discharge unit 2 includes a base 21 fixed to the toner container 1 by appropriate fixing means such as welding or adhesion, and a valve rest 3 provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the base.
- the base portion 2] is formed with a conduction path 22 for conducting the inside and the outside of the toner container 1, and the conduction path 22 includes an outlet 23 closed by the valve 3.
- the valve element 3 is provided inside the discharge port 23 (inside the toner container 1).
- a main fitting portion 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the valve body 3 to close the discharge port 23 by fitting the discharge port 23. That is, in this example, the outer periphery of the valve body 3 is a main fitting portion, and the entire outlet 23 is a main receiving portion.
- a connecting portion 32 is provided at the center of the valve body 3 to be forcibly fitted to the valve body operating section 4 of the developing device.
- the distal end 41 of the valve element operating portion 4 is a sub-fitting portion, and the connecting portion 32 for receiving the distal end 41 of the valve element operating portion 4 as the sub-fitting portion is an auxiliary receiving portion. Then, at least one of the sub-receiving portion 32 and the sub-fitting portion 41 is deformed, and the fitting is performed as a forced fitting.
- a constricted portion 41 a is provided at the distal end 41 of the valve body operating portion 4, and a ridge 33 a fitted to the constricted portion is connected. It is provided in the section 32.
- the valve body 3 may be formed separately from the base 21 of the discharge part 2, but in this example, it is formed integrally and guided by the guide part 5.
- the guide portion 5 includes columns 51, 51 provided on a base 21 and arms 52, 52 extending inward from the column 51.
- the support 51 and the arm 52 may have a single pair of left and right forces, or three or more.
- the proximal end of the arm 52 is rotatable with respect to the column 51, and the distal end of the arm 52 is rotatable with respect to the valve 3.
- FIG. 2 when the valve body 3 is fitted into the discharge port 23, the distal end side of the arm portion 52 is lower than the base end side, and as shown in FIG.
- the distal end side of the arm portion 52 is located above the base end side.
- the struts 51, 51 are extended further upward than the arms 52, and between the stretched struts 51, 5 mm, the struts 53 are strong, and the struts 51, 51 are located above the arms 52. Passed to the location. The stopper 53 comes into contact with the valve body 3 when it comes to the upper position, and prevents any further rise. Stono 53 is not necessary.
- valve element operation unit 4 in the developing device catches the amount of ink used in the toner storage section such as the popper or the developer for each sheet of paper of the developing device with a sensor, and is actuated each time to operate the cartridge. This is an instruction to discharge toner from the printer.
- a sensor that detects a certain amount of toner loss and activates it to instruct toner to be discharged from the cartridge and replenish the toner equivalent to the amount of toner loss in the toner storage section such as a popper.
- valve body 3 when the toner is required to be discharged, the valve body 3 is brought into the operating state by approaching the valve body 3, and when the toner is not required to be discharged, the valve body operating section is separated from the valve body 3 and becomes inactive state.
- Reference numeral 4 denotes a force that can be implemented separately from the toner discharge path.
- the valve element operation unit 4 also has a function of a toner discharge path.
- valve element operation unit 4 is a shaft-shaped member that is inserted into the conduction path 22 of the discharge unit 2, and a toner discharge path 42 is provided inside the valve operation unit 4.
- An opening 43 communicating from the outside 42 to the outside 43 is provided near the tip of the valve element operating section 4.
- the distal end 41 of the valve body operating portion 4 is received by the connecting portion 32, and thus a constricted portion 41a is provided to be fitted to the ridge 33a of the connecting portion 32.
- An opening 43 is formed at the base end side of the constricted portion 41a. That is, the opening portion 43 is an opening that allows conduction between the inside and outside of the toner container when the main fitting portion 31 of the valve body 3 and the discharge port 23 are disengaged (open state). Yes, in this example, it is located inside the discharge port 23 (inside the toner container) in the open state.
- a sealing means such as a ring 44 is provided at an appropriate position on the outer periphery of the stem portion of the valve element operating section 4. With this sealing means, a seal is formed between the discharge section 2 and the conduction path 22. It is. Although this sealing means is not always necessary, the leakage of the toner that did not reach the discharge path 42 from the opening 43 can be completely eliminated by this sealing means.
- the cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is set at a predetermined position of the developing device.
- the valve body operation part 4 and the discharge part 2 are in a separated state as shown in FIG. 2, or as shown in FIG. 3 (A) and (B).
- the valve body operation unit 4 and the discharge unit 2 are coupled with each other, so that the valve body 3 closes the toner discharge port 23.
- the outlet 23 and the main fitting portion 31 are in a fitted state, but it is particularly preferable that the outlet 23 is deformed so that the diameter of the outlet 23 is enlarged.
- the main fitting part 31 is in a forced fitting state in which force is inserted. It is sufficient that the forced fitting be performed if at least one of the force that can be achieved by the elastic deformation of the discharge port 23 and at least one of the discharge port 23 and the main fitting portion 31 is deformed.
- the valve body operation part 4 approaches the valve body 3 and further rises, so that the discharge port 23 and the main fitting part 31 are disengaged from each other (see FIG. 3). (B) to (C)).
- the connection between the discharge port 23 and the main fitting part 31 is disengaged, and at the same time, the connecting part 32 of the valve body 3 and the tip 41 of the valve body operating part 4 are fitted together.
- the connection between the connecting part 32 of the force valve element 3 and the valve element operation part 4 is necessary for the closing operation of the valve element 3 and does not have to be performed for the opening operation.
- the arm part 52 is carried, so that the state can be maintained.
- the valve element 3 is in an open state apart from the toner discharge port 23, and furthermore, the opening section 4 3 of the valve element operation section 4 is positioned inside the discharge port 23.
- the toner inside can be discharged to the outside from the toner discharge path 42.
- the discharge unit 2 is provided at the lower part of the toner container 1, and the valve body operation unit 4 is lifted to open the container.
- the toner is discharged from the opening 43 of the operation part 4 through the discharge path 42 to the toner storage part such as a hopper.
- the toner container 1 is deformed in accordance with the amount of the toner inside the toner container 1 to maintain a state in which no air enters the inside.
- the valve element operation unit 4 also has a function of a toner discharging path, toner can be supplied without involving external air when discharging the toner.
- valve body operation unit 4 When the replenishment of the required amount of toner is completed, the valve body operation unit 4 is retracted, and the state shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 (A) or (B) is reached. That is, when the valve body operation unit 4 moves backward, the valve
- the body operation part 4 is fitted with the connection part 32 of the valve body 3 and retreats together with the valve body 3. Then, the state shown in FIG. 3 (B), that is, the state where the discharge port 23 and the main fitting portion 31 are fitted to each other, is a closed state where the discharge of the toner is stopped. That is, the fitting force at which the tip 41 (sub-fitting part 4 1) of the valve element operating part 4 fits with the connecting part 32 (sub-receiving part 32) is equal to the main fitting part 31 and the outlet 23. (The main receiving part 23) is stronger than the force required to fit it, and when the valve operating part 4 and the connecting part 32 of the valve 3 are connected, the outlet 23 and the main fitting part 3 Forced mating with 1 is realized.
- valve element operating section 4 when the valve element operating section 4 is retracted, the fitting between the valve element operating section 4 and the connecting portion 32 of the valve element 3 is released as shown in FIG. 3 (A), and as shown in FIG. Both 3 and 4 are separated.
- the valve body operating section 4 force The retracting operation is performed in the state of being connected to the connecting section 32 of the valve body 3 so that the main fitting section 3 1 of the valve body 3 and the discharge outlet 23 are connected.
- the fitting is realized.
- the main fitting portion 31 and the discharge port 23 are fitted, the leakage of the toner is reliably prevented, and the discharge portion 2 can be integrally molded with synthetic resin. Manufacturing costs can be kept low, and toner can be discharged and non-discharge without leakage can be achieved only by the simple operation of the valve operating section 4 moving forward and backward. .
- the connecting section 32 and the valve rest operating section 4 are connected (fitted).
- the force at which the fitting between the fitting part 3 1 and the discharge port 23 is released At this stage, the connection (fitting) between the connecting part 32 and the valve element operating part 4 does not need to be completely performed.
- the connection (fitting) may be performed when the valve element operation unit 4 of the developing device relatively shifts to the non-discharge state.
- the connection between the connecting portion 32 and the valve body operating portion 4 is released. However, the connection between the two may be maintained.
- connection between the connecting portion 32 and the valve element operating portion 4 is made when the cartridge is set in the developing device, this connection is maintained in the operation for each replenishment.
- the valve 3 is opened and closed and the cartridge is removed from the developing device, the connection between the connecting part 32 and the valve operating part 4 is released.
- FIG. 4 shows a modified example of the toner container.
- the whole was a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container.
- the shrinking portion 102 is provided in about half or more of the container.
- the toner container 10] includes a contracting portion 102 and a non-contracting portion 103, and the discharging portion 2 is provided in the non-contracting portion 103.
- the non-shrinkable portion 103 has a rigidity that is not crushed by the atmospheric pressure of a hard synthetic resin or the like.
- the shrinking portion is made of a soft synthetic resin or the like, and has flexibility to be deformed by atmospheric pressure.
- the contracted portion 102 has such a flexibility that it can be stuck inside the non-contracted portion 103, and due to the reduction in the amount of toner inside, it contracts without introducing air inside, Eventually, the contracted portion 102 is stuck inside the non-contracted portion 103 (a state in which the internal space is lost).
- the non-shrinkage portion 112 of the toner container 111 shown in FIG. 4B is formed by a cylindrical body having a constant internal shape. Then, a contracted portion] 13 slidable with respect to the non-contracted portion 112 is fitted inside the non-contracted portion. In the toner container 1 1 1 1, the shrinking portion 1 1 3 slides in the axial direction, so that the content of the container shrinks, and the discharge portion 2 is provided in the non-shrinking portion 1 1 2 .
- the outer periphery of the toner container can be constituted by the non-shrinkable members 104 and 114.
- the non-shrinkable member 104 is arranged outside the shrinkable portion 102, and is connected or integrated with the non-shrinkable portion 103.
- the air passage 105 is provided in the non-shrinkable member 104.
- the non-shrinkable member 1] 4 is arranged outside the shrinkable portion 113 to be connected or integrated with the non-shrinkage portion 112.
- the air passage 1 i 5 is provided in the non-shrinkable member 114.
- FIG. 5 is an example in which the position of the opening 43 in the above embodiment is changed.
- the opening 43 of the valve operating section 4 is located inside the outlet 23, and The force that allowed the toner inside to be discharged from the toner discharge path 42 to the outside.
- the opening 43 of the valve element operation unit 4 is closed. It is located outside the outlet 23.
- a connecting portion 13 1 having a smaller diameter than the discharge port 23 is provided between the tip 41 of the operation portion 4 and the opening 43 fitted to the connecting portion 32 of the valve body 3. It is a thing.
- the communicating part 13 1 is located at the outlet 23, and the outlet 23 and the communicating part 1 are located. 3 Toner leaks through the gap. The toner that has flowed out flows out of the opening 43 through the toner discharge path 42 to the outside.
- the relationship between the main fitting portion and the main receiving portion, the sub-fitting portion and the sub-receiving portion, and the relationship between the forcible fitting strengths thereof is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is an example in which the valve element 3 in the first embodiment is formed separately from the discharge section 2, and the main fitting section and the main receiving section, and the sub-fitting section and the sub-
- a member for guiding the sliding of the valve element 3 is provided on the base 21 around the valve element 3.
- a plurality of guide posts 1 2 1 are erected from the base 21. This allows the valve element 3 to move in the axial direction without being misaligned while being guided by the guide posts 121.
- it is sufficient that the guide post 1 2 1 and the valve 3 are only in contact with each other, but the valve 3 is provided with a sliding hole through which the guide post 1 2 1 is slidably inserted.
- the specific structure for guidance can be changed as appropriate.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view according to still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (A) shows a closed state and (B) shows an open state.
- the stop 53 is provided between the columns 51 and 51, but in this example, the stop 53 is provided.
- valve element 3 is connected by the base 21 and the two arms 14 1, 14 1.
- This arm part 1 4 1 1 4 1 can be deformed from a state curved downward as shown in (A) to a state extended upward as shown in (B) Things. That is, the arm portions 141 and 141 have strength and flexibility that allow the valve body 3 to move up and down and can support it. Also in this example, the relationship between the main fitting portion and the main receiving portion, the sub-fitting portion and the sub-receiving portion, and the relationship between the forcible fitting strengths thereof is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment.
- valve body 3 descends from the state shown in FIG. 7 (B) to the state shown in FIG.
- connection portion 32 of the valve body 3 and the distal end 41 of the valve body operation portion 4 do not come off when closing the valve body 23 will be further described.
- valve body operation unit 4 moves downward, the valve body 3 also moves downward.
- the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 When the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 approaches the outlet 23 and enters the inside thereof, the lower end 3 e is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the outlet 23, and the lower end 3 e is connected to the outer peripheral surface thereof. From the inner center (radial direction). As a result, the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 receives a force from the inner peripheral surface of the discharge port 23 such that the inner diameter becomes smaller. As a result, the tip 41 of the valve element operating part 4 may be disengaged from the connecting part 32 of the valve element 3 due to a stronger fitting force with the connecting part 32 of the valve body 3. Is lost.
- the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 is moved downward while reliably maintaining the state of engagement with the valve element 3, and the main fitting section 31 of the valve element 3 is moved out of the outlet 23. It can be securely fitted.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 show an enlarged main part of FIG.
- FIG. 8 (A) shows a state in which the valve element 3 is fitted to the discharge port 23.
- the valve element operation section 4 is located sufficiently below the valve element 3, so that Not shown.
- the sealing surface 3 ⁇ of the outer peripheral portion of the valve element 3 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the discharge port 23, forming a highly airtight and liquid tight sealing state.
- a valve body side shoulder 3 projecting outward at a lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 is engaged with an outlet side shoulder 23 a projecting inward at a lower portion of the outlet 23. This prevents the valve element 3 from accidentally coming off the discharge port 3.
- the valve body operation section 4 moves up and enters the connecting section 32 in the valve body 3.
- the outer diameter of the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 (particularly, the ridge projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the lower end 3 e). It is easy to enter because it is smaller than 33 a).
- the outer diameter of the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 becomes larger as approaching the constricted portion 41a from the tip end thereof, and becomes larger than the inner diameter of the lower end 3e of the valve element 3.
- the opening 43 of the valve body operation unit 4 is located inside the discharge port 23, and the toner can be discharged.
- the outer diameter of the valve body side shoulder 3g of the lower end 3e of the valve body 3 is larger than the inner diameter of the discharge outlet 23. Therefore, when the valve element operating section 4 is further lowered, the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 and the force from the inner wall of the discharge port 23 are deformed inward by receiving the force from the inner wall of the discharge port 23, and a constricted portion of the valve element operating section 4 is formed. The lower end 3e of the valve element 3 enters the 41a. This movement increases as the valve operating section 4 is further lowered, and the constricted portion 41a of the valve operating section 4 and the lower end 3e of the valve 3 are more reliably engaged. As a result, it is possible to prevent the valve element 3 from coming off the valve element operation section 4 while the valve element operation section 4 is being lowered.
- valve body operation section 4 when the valve body operation section 4 is lowered, the valve body 3 comes into contact with the end of the discharge port 23, and the lowering of the valve body 3 stops (see FIG. 9 (A)). Then, when the valve body operation part 4 is further lowered, the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 bulges outward, and the protruding ridge 33 a protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3. And the constricted portion 41a is disengaged (FIG. 8 (B)) and returns to the initial state (FIG. 8 (A)).
- FIG. 0 is a perspective view of an essential part of a tonnage lever according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- the discharge portion 201 is made of synthetic resin, has a substantially cylindrical base portion 202, and has a flange portion 203 provided at a lower end thereof.
- the base 202 is fixed to the toner container 204 by heat welding or the like.
- arms 205.205 that extend upward from both sides of the upper end of the base 202 and extend toward the center thereof are provided. These arms 205,205 A valve element 206 is continuously provided at the tip of the valve.
- a discharge port 208 is provided at an inner peripheral portion of an upper end of the conduction path 207, and an engagement step portion 208 is provided at a lower end of the discharge port 208.
- the main fitting portion 209 provided on the valve body 206 engages with this discharge port 208 (that is, the sub-fitting portion). That is, a main fitting portion 209 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the valve body 206, and the main fitting portion 209 is formed by the engagement step portion 210 of the discharge port 208.
- the valve element 206 closes the discharge port 208 by engaging with 8a. At this time, the two arms 205 and 205 flex flexibly as the valve 206 moves up and down, and have sufficient strength to support the valve 206. are doing.
- a connecting part 2 13 connected to the tip of the valve element operating part 211 for instructing toner discharge, and an inner peripheral surface of the connecting part 2 13 is provided.
- an engagement step part 214 is formed in the circumferential direction.
- valve element operation section 211 for replenishing the toner inside the toner container 204 is formed of a rod-shaped body, and a front end connection section 2 12 (sub-fitting section) is formed at the front end thereof. Therefore, it can be fitted into the connecting portion 2 13 (sub receiving portion) of the valve rest 206, and a lower portion of the distal end connecting portion 212 has an engaging step portion 2 of the valve element 206. Engagement grooves 2 15 engaging with 14 are formed in the circumferential direction.
- This valve element operating part 211 also serves as a toner discharging means.
- a toner discharging path 215 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the central part thereof.
- An opening is provided slightly below the leading end connecting part 211.
- a plurality of portions 2 16 are formed in the circumferential direction.
- the lower part of these openings 216 is formed to have a slightly larger outer diameter than the upper part thereof, and through the step part 217, the inner diameter of the conduction path 207 of the discharge part 201 is almost equal to the inner diameter. They are formed with the same outer diameter.
- the valve element operating portion 211 rises to a state where the step portion 217 formed entirely in the circumferential direction is in contact with the lower end of the discharge port 208. As a result, the valve body 206 is pushed up, and the opening portion 216 enters the inside of the toner container from the discharge port 208, so that the toner can be discharged (see FIG. 10). Status) .
- valve element operation section 2 1 1 retreats from the conduction path 2 07 of the discharge section 2
- FIG. 11 is an explanatory perspective view of a main part of a toner cartridge according to still another embodiment.
- valve element operating section was provided with a toner discharge path, but in this example, the valve element operating section is not provided with a toner discharging path.
- the discharge portion 301 is made of synthetic resin, is provided around the toner container 302, has a substantially cylindrical base portion 303, and has a flange portion 3 at its lower end portion. 0 4 is provided.
- This base portion 303 is heat-welded to the peripheral portion of the toner container 302.
- a conductive path 305 communicating between the inside and the outside of the toner container 302 is formed to penetrate the base 303.
- an arm 3 06 ; 3 0 6 is formed, and the arms 3 0 6 extend upward from the upper portion of the base 3 0 3, respectively.
- a valve element 307 is continuously provided at a tip end of the arm portions 306, 306 extending in the center direction.
- the valve element 307 has a substantially spherical shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the valve element 307 serves as the main fitting portion 311.
- the conduction path 305 is provided in the up-down direction, and the upper end of the conduction path 305 is provided at the main fitting portion of the valve element 307.
- 3 1] is formed so as to be able to be fitted and received in an airtight manner, and the discharge port 3 08 is formed so that its inner diameter gradually increases upward.
- the surface is formed so as to be inclined.
- the both arms 306, 306 flex flexibly as the valve element 307 moves up and down, and have sufficient strength to support the valve element 307.
- a rod-shaped valve operating section 309 is provided.
- a guide plate 3100 is provided at an intermediate portion of the valve operating portion 3109 so that the guide plate 311 ⁇ has the effect of centering the valve operating portion 3109. 09 appropriately guides the inside of the conductive path 3 05, and the guide plate 3 10 also serves to seal the conductive path 3 05 while the valve operating section 3 09 is pushed in. be able to.
- the outer diameter of the guide ⁇ 310 is the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the conduction path 305, the outer periphery of the guide plate 310 comes into close contact with the conduction path 305, so that the valve
- the operating part 309 moves up and down, the valve operating part 309 is reliably guided with the function of centering, and the conduction path 309 is provided during the vertical movement of the valve operating part 309. It also acts as a lid by sealing 5.
- the guide plate 310 when the outer diameter of the guide ⁇ 310 is larger than the inner diameter of the conduction path 305, the guide plate 310 needs to be formed from a material having flexible elasticity.
- guide plate 310 may be either rigid or elastic.
- valve element operating section on the developing device side is not shown in this example, but it suffices to operate the valve operating section 309 up and down.
- a member that can be fitted to the lower end of the valve operating portion 309 may be a valve body operating portion, and the valve operating portion in the fitted state may be moved up and down to move up and down.
- the toner discharge path on the developing device side is only required to be able to receive the toner discharged from the conduction path 305.
- the mouth of the discharge path is not shown in FIG. 11, but may be a cylindrical body having a connection hole through which toner can be discharged.
- 01 may be of a type that fits inside the conduction path 3 05, or may be adapted to cover the outside of the outer periphery of the flange 304 at the lower end of the discharge section 301. It may be of the type.
- valve body operating section to be operated is provided at the tip of the tubular body, and that a space through which toner can pass must be provided between the pressing body and the tubular body.
- the valve element operation section that operates the valve operation section 309 must be formed inside the connection hole below the upper end of the cylindrical body. Further, a space through which the toner can pass must be formed between the pressing body and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body.
- the toner may be discharged from the conduction path 305 to the toner storage tank of the apparatus without passing through a restricted conduction path such as a cylindrical body.
- the method of discharging the toner according to this embodiment is as follows.
- valve operating section 309 is engaged with the valve operating section of the device, and in this state, the valve operating section 309 is pushed upward. As a result, the valve operating portion 309 moves upward, and the valve element 307 which has been airtightly fitted to the discharge port 308 is separated from the discharge port 308 to discharge the toner inside. Is done.
- the main fitting portion 311 of the valve body 307 is fitted to the discharge port 308 by the reverse movement, and the discharge of the toner is stopped. At that time, even during the movement of the discharging operation, the guide plate 310 prevents the excessive toner from being discharged.
- valve operating portion 309 is formed integrally with the valve element 307, but both may be provided so as to be separable.
- the valve operating section 309 and the valve element 307 can be implemented as being connected by fitting or the like.
- the structure of this fitting can be the same as the fitting of the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion in the embodiment of FIG.
- valve operating section 309 constitutes a part of the valve element 307, and the connecting portion of the device to the valve element operating section is a valve operating section. It will be provided at an appropriate place such as the lower end of the moving part.
- the configuration of the valve element operating section of the device is the same as that of the valve operating section 309, and the valve element operating section and the valve element 3107 having the same form as the valve operating section 309 are shown in FIG. Of the connection part and the valve body operation part in the embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment.
- the entire toner container 401 is formed of a hard thermoplastic resin. It should be noted that other materials such as hard synthetic resins and metals having a strength that does not deform due to the atmospheric pressure can be appropriately selected and used.
- the discharge unit 2 may be the same as that described in each of the above embodiments, and is provided at an appropriate position of the toner container 401.
- the toner container 401 can have an appropriate shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, a column, or the like. In this example, a force, a corner 4 1 2 and side 4 1 3 etc.
- the toner container 401 is mounted on an apparatus such as a copying machine such that the force V discharge unit 2 (not shown) is located at the lower end. Then, as in the previous example, the valve operating section is raised to open. Therefore, the toner is discharged by a natural fall from the opening of the valve element operating section through the discharge path to a toner storage section such as a hopper.
- a toner storage section such as a hopper.
- an air inlet (not shown) or the like is provided at an appropriate position in the toner container 401 to increase the pressure inside the toner container 401, and the internal pressure is increased. Should be discharged. In the case of natural fall, it is not necessary to increase the internal pressure. However, an air inlet (not shown) may be provided to prevent the internal pressure from lowering. Further, a transport screw or an agitator may be provided in the toner container 401 so that the toner is smoothly supplied to the mechanical discharge unit 2.
- the present invention can be embodied as each of the above embodiments, but it is particularly advantageous to implement the present invention as the following configuration. That is, in a toner cartridge including a toner container for accommodating a powder or a granular toner for a developing device and a discharge unit for replenishing toner from the toner container to the developing device, the toner container includes a toner container. It has a shrinking part that shrinks according to the amount of toner in the container.
- the toner container has a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with the amount of toner in the toner container, the toner container shrinks in response to the discharge of the toner in the toner container. Toner can be discharged without air. As a result, the quality of the toner inside is kept good.
- the inside of the toner container and the toner storage section are sealed.
- the toner can be filled into the toner container by various methods. Although it is possible, a more desirable filling condition can be easily obtained by taking the reverse procedure of discharging when filling.
- the toner discharge path may be implemented as a charging path of the toner charging device.
- the valve element operation unit serves as a nozzle for charging the toner charging device.
- the toner discharge path such as a cylindrical body may be filled as the toner charging path.
- the charging path may have a form such as a cylindrical body that can fill the conduction path 305.
- the mouth of the charging path is It may be a cylindrical member having a connection hole in which toner can be filled.
- the contraction portion of the toner container is completely contracted and the toner is filled from a state in which substantially no air remains in the container, there is no need to release or suck the air in the container at the time of filling.
- the filling speed can be increased.
- the arm of each embodiment is always urged downward (in the direction in which the valve body closes the discharge port). May be used.
- the guide plate 310 may be provided in a valve body operating section of another embodiment, and may be implemented. When discharging the toner, the toner can be positively discharged by applying a pressure to the contracted portion of the toner container from the outside with a force that can be discharged by natural fall.
- means for positively promoting the discharge of the toner means for externally applying pressure to the contracted portion of the toner container by a device for applying a mechanical force such as a piston can be shown. Further, the toner can be sucked by a pump provided in the developing device. In any case, in addition to the natural fall, a means for positively promoting the discharge of toner from the toner container by mechanical or fluid pressure can be added.
- the toner discharge path may be implemented as a charging path of the toner charging device.
- the valve operating unit in each of the above embodiments can be a filling nozzle of the toner filling device. That is, the toner charging device (
- the toner container 61 may be a toner container 1 having a contraction portion similar to that of the above-described embodiment.
- the toner container 6 does not have a contraction portion and has a rigidity that does not deform due to atmospheric pressure.
- a high toner container 401 may be used.
- the discharge unit 2 of the toner container 61 is used as a toner charging path, and the valve element operation unit 4 is used as a nozzle for charging the toner charging device. Fill within 1.
- a valve element operating section 603 having the same form as the valve element operating section 4 of each of the above embodiments is connected to the second discharge section 602.
- the air in the toner container 601 is released from the second discharge part 602 through the valve element operation part 603.
- the pressure in the toner container 600 can be kept constant.
- the air is discharged using the second discharge section 602 or the valve element operation section 603 provided with a means for preventing the outflow of the toner by, for example, arranging a filter in the flow path. It is also desirable to do so.
- air may be naturally discharged from the toner container 61 by suction means (not shown) such as a pump, in addition to the natural flow. That is, as a suction nozzle connected to a suction means such as a pump, a valve body operation section 603 is adopted, and a toner container 6001 is passed from the second discharge section 602 through the valve body operation section 603. The air inside is sucked by the suction means.
- Air can also be exhausted from the toner container. This can be carried out following the above-mentioned discharging of air during the filling or in a separate step.
- the toner container can be implemented as a toner container not using the second discharge portion 602 (for example, a toner container 1 having only one discharge portion 2 shown in FIG. 1).
- the valve element operation part 4 for filling from the toner container after removing the valve element operation part 4 for filling from the toner container], connect the valve element operation part 60 3 connected to the suction means to the discharge part 2 and perform the suction operation. I do.
- a filter is provided in the discharge section 2, it becomes difficult to discharge the toner. Therefore, the filter is disposed in the valve operating section 603 connected to the suction means, and the toner is discharged. It is preferable to provide a means for preventing the occurrence of blemishes.
- the suction of the air in the toner container is performed in the same manner as in the case of the toner container 1 having a contracting portion, the force suitable for being carried out, and the highly viscous toner container 401 having a strength not deformed by atmospheric pressure.
- the air in the toner is discharged during and after filling the toner in the toner container, and the air pressure in the toner container is adjusted.
- air and other fluids can flow into the toner container using the second discharge portion.
- such discharge and inflow of the fluid can be performed during transfer of the toner container or after the toner container is set in the developing device.
- the first discharge portion is discharged from the toner container. It can also be performed during the operation of discharging the toner through. Therefore, the second discharge unit can be used as needed for adjusting the pressure and the atmosphere in the toner container.
- an operation member such as a lever spring provided on a developing device side such as a copying machine together with a valve rest operation section is provided on a toner container.
- valve body operation unit 4 is fixed to a toner storage unit of a developing device such as a copying machine in a state where an opening 42 c at a lower end thereof is conductive. More specifically, a support portion 45 is formed on the end side of the opening 42c of the valve body operation portion 4.
- a slide-type lever 501 is formed as an operating member for attaching and detaching the valve element 3 on the discharge section 2 side and the valve element operation section 4.
- an elongated hole 503 extending in the sliding direction is formed.
- the valve body operation part 4 is arranged so as to penetrate vertically.
- a flat portion 504 along the periphery of the elongated hole 503, there is a flat portion 504, and the rearward from the flat portion 504 (in the right direction in FIG. 14, in other words, in the direction away from the valve element operation portion 4).
- a gradually rising slope portion 505 is formed.
- the flat portion 504 is large enough to mount the flange portion 24 at the lower end of the discharge portion 2, and as shown in FIG.
- the flange portion 24 of the discharge portion 2 is in contact with the flat portion 504 in a state where the flat portion 504 is fitted.
- a finger hook portion 506 for pushing the lever 501 to slide is formed, and a spring receiver 507 is provided below the finger hook portion 506.
- a spring receiver 47 is also formed in a portion of the support part 45 of the valve element operation part 4 facing the spring receiver 507, and a spring is provided between the spring receivers 507 and 47. 508 is coordinated.
- This spring 508 has a lever
- the attached toner container is in a free state, and can be taken out of a developing device such as a copying machine by hand. Also, if the finger is removed from the finger hook part 506 after the ejection part 2 has come off from the valve element operation part 4, the lever -501 will be retracted to the initial state by the biasing force of the spring 508. .
- guided pieces 509 and 509 are provided on both sides of the lever 501 so as to surely slide the lever 501. It is provided facing downward.
- the guided pieces 509 and 509 are slidably fitted in guide grooves (not shown) provided in a developing device such as a copying machine, and are inserted into guide grooves (not shown). Then, lever 501 slides back and forth.
- valve body operation unit 4 is fixed to the developing device side, and a mechanism for moving the discharge unit 2 so as to approach and separate from the valve body operation unit 4 is provided.
- a lever 501 provided with a slope for moving the discharge unit 2 is provided as an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve element operation unit 4.
- a spring 508 is used to activate 01.
- the spring 507 is not always necessary, and the lever 501 may be moved back and forth by hand.
- the lever 501 may be moved by a driven developing device such as an electric motor or an air cylinder.
- the lever 501 may move up and down in addition to moving back and forth, and may lift the discharge unit 2 by applying the principle of leverage.
- the spring may be directly operated on the discharge unit 2 and used to push up the discharge unit 2.
- a member that supports an appropriate portion such as the flange portion 24 of the discharge unit 2 so as to be movable up and down may be used as an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve element operation unit 4.
- the operating member is not simply used to separate the discharge section 2 from the valve element operating section 4 but is moved to make the discharge section 2 approach the valve element operating section 4. It can also be activated.
- the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 are in a state where the valve body 3 of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 are separated, and the valve body 3 of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit In addition to the state in which the part 4 is completely fitted, the fitting between the valve body 3 of the discharge part 2 and the valve body operating part 4 is not completely separated.
- the distance between the discharge part 2 and the valve body operation part 4 is selected so that these three states can be selected, and the discharge part is provided to the valve body operation part 4. It becomes easy to make 2 approach and separate.
- an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 moves at least one of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4, and moves the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 together. It is only necessary that the and move relative to each other. Therefore, in the above example, the discharge unit 2 is moved, but on the contrary, the discharge unit 2 may be fixed and the valve body operation unit 4 may be moved. That is, as a second example of attachment / detachment, in order to open and close the discharge unit 2 provided in the toner container, the discharge unit 2 is fixed to a fixed position, and the valve operating unit is manually or automatically moved to discharge the toner. An example in which the part 2 is connected to or disconnected from the valve body operation part 4 will be described. FIG.
- the discharge unit 2 is fixed immovably up and down by a fixing member 511 provided on the developing device side such as a copying machine.
- a force is shown in which the flange portion 24 is forcibly fitted into the insertion hole provided in the fixing member 5 1 1 and fixed immovably up and down.
- a deformed portion is used as a toner container. If a rigid body is used, it can be fixed by pressing the upper and lower ends. Further, the discharge unit 2 or the toner container may be fixed by a mechanical developing device such as a chuck, and a fixing method that cannot be moved up and down may employ appropriate means.
- valve body operation unit 4 is provided in the developing device so as to be able to move up and down.
- the valve body operation unit 4 is provided in the developing device so as to be able to move up and down.
- FIG. 19 shows a state in which the valve body 3 of the discharge section 2 and the valve body operation section 4 are fitted. By pushing down the handle 5 14 from this fitted state, the valve body operation section 4 is moved. Slides downward, and the valve element operating section 4 comes off the valve element 3 of the discharge section 2.
- the valve body operation section 4 was manually moved using the handle.
- a member provided with a slope may be used, and the air cylinder ⁇ automatically operated by a mechanical developing device such as an electric motor. You may make it move.
- the attachment / detachment of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 is performed by connecting the valve body 3 and the valve body operation unit 4 of the discharge unit 2 to each other. Not only means the transition between the two states of the engaged state and the unconnected state, but also the half-connected state in between (the connection between the valve body 3 and the valve operating section 4 is not separated However, the valve 3 is closed).
- the transition between the connected state and the semi-connected state and the transition between the semi-connected state and the non-connected state are performed.
- the actuating member may be one that assists or at least completes at least one of these transitions. Therefore, for example, the operation member may perform only the transition from the connected state to the non-connected state, and may not perform the transition from the non-connected state to the connected state.
- the invention of the present application is intended for use in developing devices such as copiers and printers and printers. (Including a printing ink), and can be used in a structure for opening and closing a toner flow port.
- the present invention is not limited to the toner container described above, and can be applied to supply containers for many other types of liquids, powders, granules, and the like, and to the opening / closing structure of the circulation port. .
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Wet Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020007001628A KR20010023020A (ko) | 1997-08-19 | 1998-08-19 | 토너카트리지 및 그것의 유통구의 개폐기구 |
CA002300202A CA2300202A1 (en) | 1997-08-19 | 1998-08-19 | Toner cartridge and opening and closing mechanism for pass-through of same |
EP98938900A EP1006415A1 (en) | 1997-08-19 | 1998-08-19 | Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP23886697A JP3373143B2 (ja) | 1997-08-19 | 1997-08-19 | トナーカートリッジ |
JP9/238866 | 1997-08-19 | ||
JP9327070A JPH11143204A (ja) | 1997-11-11 | 1997-11-11 | トナーカートリッジのトナー排出口の開閉機構 |
JP9/327070 | 1997-11-11 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999009460A1 true WO1999009460A1 (en) | 1999-02-25 |
Family
ID=26533949
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP1998/003678 WO1999009460A1 (en) | 1997-08-19 | 1998-08-19 | Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1006415A1 (ja) |
KR (1) | KR20010023020A (ja) |
CA (1) | CA2300202A1 (ja) |
WO (1) | WO1999009460A1 (ja) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SG115365A1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2005-10-28 | Ricoh Kk | Powder container, method of assembling the same and method of reducing the volume of the same |
CN108445723A (zh) * | 2018-04-03 | 2018-08-24 | 天津光电通信技术有限公司 | 一种激光打印机的粉盒压紧固定机构 |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1626315A3 (en) * | 2001-01-31 | 2006-08-02 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus using the same |
ATE557325T1 (de) | 2001-02-19 | 2012-05-15 | Canon Kk | Tonerzufuhrbehälter |
US6990301B2 (en) | 2001-02-19 | 2006-01-24 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Sealing member, toner accommodating container and image forming apparatus |
CA2494370C (en) * | 2002-07-30 | 2012-01-03 | Nestec S.A. | A system for dispensing a liquid substance |
US7184691B2 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2007-02-27 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container, toner supply device and image forming apparatus |
AU2012341396B2 (en) | 2011-11-25 | 2015-08-13 | Ricoh Company, Limited | Powder container and image forming apparatus |
US9827582B2 (en) | 2015-11-04 | 2017-11-28 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Refillable dispensing systems and components |
JP6734063B2 (ja) * | 2016-01-29 | 2020-08-05 | 理想科学工業株式会社 | インクカートリッジ |
US11673727B2 (en) | 2021-03-03 | 2023-06-13 | Scholle Ipn Corporation | Dispensing system for a flexible bag, flexible bag assembly |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH01120587A (ja) * | 1987-11-04 | 1989-05-12 | Fukuda Metal Foil & Powder Co Ltd | トナー容器 |
JPH01255877A (ja) * | 1988-04-06 | 1989-10-12 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 複写機の現像装置 |
JPH01152354U (ja) * | 1988-04-01 | 1989-10-20 | ||
JPH0425715Y2 (ja) * | 1985-07-09 | 1992-06-19 | ||
JPH0496762U (ja) * | 1991-01-25 | 1992-08-21 | ||
JPH0590516U (ja) * | 1992-05-01 | 1993-12-10 | 昭和プロダクツ株式会社 | 複写機用トナー容器 |
JPH08174816A (ja) * | 1994-09-29 | 1996-07-09 | Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> | プリント・カートリッジへの補充インク流を調整する方法および装置 |
-
1998
- 1998-08-19 CA CA002300202A patent/CA2300202A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-08-19 WO PCT/JP1998/003678 patent/WO1999009460A1/ja not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-08-19 EP EP98938900A patent/EP1006415A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-08-19 KR KR1020007001628A patent/KR20010023020A/ko active Search and Examination
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0425715Y2 (ja) * | 1985-07-09 | 1992-06-19 | ||
JPH01120587A (ja) * | 1987-11-04 | 1989-05-12 | Fukuda Metal Foil & Powder Co Ltd | トナー容器 |
JPH01152354U (ja) * | 1988-04-01 | 1989-10-20 | ||
JPH01255877A (ja) * | 1988-04-06 | 1989-10-12 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 複写機の現像装置 |
JPH0496762U (ja) * | 1991-01-25 | 1992-08-21 | ||
JPH0590516U (ja) * | 1992-05-01 | 1993-12-10 | 昭和プロダクツ株式会社 | 複写機用トナー容器 |
JPH08174816A (ja) * | 1994-09-29 | 1996-07-09 | Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> | プリント・カートリッジへの補充インク流を調整する方法および装置 |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SG115365A1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2005-10-28 | Ricoh Kk | Powder container, method of assembling the same and method of reducing the volume of the same |
CN108445723A (zh) * | 2018-04-03 | 2018-08-24 | 天津光电通信技术有限公司 | 一种激光打印机的粉盒压紧固定机构 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2300202A1 (en) | 1999-02-25 |
KR20010023020A (ko) | 2001-03-26 |
EP1006415A1 (en) | 2000-06-07 |
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