WO2016204196A1 - Toner replenishment method, toner cartridge production method, recycled toner cartridge, and toner cartridge recycling method - Google Patents

Toner replenishment method, toner cartridge production method, recycled toner cartridge, and toner cartridge recycling method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016204196A1
WO2016204196A1 PCT/JP2016/067851 JP2016067851W WO2016204196A1 WO 2016204196 A1 WO2016204196 A1 WO 2016204196A1 JP 2016067851 W JP2016067851 W JP 2016067851W WO 2016204196 A1 WO2016204196 A1 WO 2016204196A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toner
toner cartridge
seal member
housing
opening
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/067851
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
卓哉 錦織
正志 水野
Original Assignee
三菱化学株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2016050254A external-priority patent/JP2018146598A/en
Priority claimed from JP2016104050A external-priority patent/JP2018146599A/en
Application filed by 三菱化学株式会社 filed Critical 三菱化学株式会社
Publication of WO2016204196A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016204196A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for supplying recycled toner to a toner cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or a copying machine, a method for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge, a method for regenerating the toner cartridge, and a recycled toner cartridge.
  • an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or a copying machine
  • a method for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge a method for regenerating the toner cartridge
  • a recycled toner cartridge a recycled toner cartridge.
  • the toner cartridge is used by being mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a copying machine, or a facsimile.
  • the toner cartridge includes means for storing toner, forming an image, and transferring the image to a recording medium such as paper, and the use ends when the toner is consumed.
  • the toner cartridge may be recycled and reused by replenishing toner or replacing some parts.
  • the process of recycling the toner cartridge includes cleaning, replacing damaged parts, replacing worn parts, and replenishing toner. In this recycling process, it is necessary to disassemble and reassemble the toner cartridge.
  • toner is stored in a toner container (toner hopper) to form an image.
  • the toner is normally supplied by being poured into the toner container from an opening provided in the housing forming the toner cartridge (for example, a toner supply port of Patent Document 1). Then, after the replenishment, the opening is closed, thereby preventing leakage of toner before use in transportation or the like.
  • the present invention is a method for supplying toner to a toner cartridge, and includes a housing including a toner storage portion that is a portion for storing toner and an opening for discharging the toner, and the housing includes A step of disposing a seal member in a gap between the developing roller and the housing of a toner cartridge having a developing roller, and a step of closing the opening by the seal member.
  • One aspect of the method for replenishing toner to the toner cartridge of the present invention includes, for example, a process of opening a hole in a housing, a process of closing an opening with a seal member, and a process of replenishing toner for recycling from the hole. .
  • the opening is closed in the process of closing the opening.
  • a step of fixing a portion of the seal member that protrudes outside the housing to the housing is included.
  • the method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling is a method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling, including a method of supplying toner to the toner cartridge.
  • the method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling includes a method of supplying toner to the toner cartridge, and a method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling including a step of fixing and closing a lid in a hole.
  • the present invention is a recycled toner cartridge, and includes a housing including a toner storage portion that is a portion for storing toner therein, and a developing roller and a toner supply roller provided in the housing.
  • the recycled toner cartridge includes a seal member disposed between the developing roller and the housing and between the toner supply roller and the housing and closing an opening provided in the toner storage unit.
  • the toner cartridge regeneration method of the present invention is the method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge by a method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge, and then exposing the seal to the outside through a gap between the developing roller and the housing.
  • This is a toner cartridge recycling method in which the end of the member is pulled out and the seal member is removed to make the toner cartridge usable.
  • a hole is formed in a gear portion that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge, Including a process of supplying toner to the toner storage unit.
  • the toner cartridge regeneration method of the present invention for example, after the opening is closed by the seal member, a gear portion that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge is removed, and the toner is removed from the removed portion. Including a process of replenishing toner to the storage unit.
  • the toner cartridge regeneration method of the present invention for example, after the opening is closed by the sealing member, a small amount of test toner is supplied to the developing roller, and the developing roller rotates to rotate the developing roller. The end of the seal member exposed to the outside is fixed so as not to be caught, and test printing is performed.
  • the handle becomes an obstacle and set at the correct position of the printer. Can not.
  • the toner supply roller is once removed during the regeneration operation, the bearings at both ends of the toner supply roller are not separated from the housing, and the toner supply roller is pivoted. Pressed against the bearing in the direction, partially peels off the adhesion between the shaft of the toner supply roller and the toner supply roller sponge member, and moves to a position where the opposite end of the pressed portion is inside the housing of the bearing The toner supply roller is removed from the housing.
  • the present invention is a method for sealing a toner storage portion of a toner cartridge, and includes a housing including a toner storage portion that is a portion for storing toner and an opening for discharging the toner, and the housing.
  • the toner cartridge even if the toner cartridge is not provided with an opening for supplying the toner before recycling, the toner can be appropriately supplied.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure before use of a toner cartridge 10 to be recycled.
  • FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the structure of the opening 20 a provided in the first housing 21.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure when the toner cartridge 10 to be recycled is used.
  • FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a scene of the toner replenishing method and the toner cartridge manufacturing method.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner replenishing method and the toner cartridge manufacturing method.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner replenishing method and the toner cartridge manufacturing method.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the toner cartridge 110 by recycling.
  • FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams showing a scene of another embodiment of a toner replenishing method and a toner cartridge manufacturing method.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a scene of another embodiment of a toner replenishing method and a toner cartridge manufacturing method.
  • FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are diagrams showing a scene of another embodiment of a toner replenishing method and a toner cartridge manufacturing method.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 10 to be recycled.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotating shaft 18.
  • 14A is a cross-sectional view of the shaft portion 18a, and FIG.
  • FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the shaft portion 18'a.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft 18 in the axial direction.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram in which the rotation shaft 18 is arranged in the housing 21.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a scene of the toner replenishing method.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method.
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method.
  • FIG. 21A is a diagram showing one scene of the toner replenishing method
  • FIG. 21B is a diagram showing one scene of another aspect of the toner replenishing method.
  • FIG. 21A is a diagram showing one scene of the toner replenishing method
  • FIG. 21B is a diagram showing one scene of another aspect of the toner replenishing method.
  • FIG. 21A is a diagram showing one scene of
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a scene of the toner supply method according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a scene of the toner supply method according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the toner cartridge 10 before cartridge regeneration.
  • FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the second housing 22 including the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 is removed from the state of FIG.
  • FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are removed from the state of FIG.
  • FIG. 28C are diagrams showing a procedure for removing the toner supply roller 16 in the process from FIG. 26 to FIG.
  • FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the first casing 21 and shows the structure of the opening 20a of FIG.
  • FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a form-like seal member 126 is bonded to the opening 20a.
  • FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the first housing 21 and shows a long and narrow seal member 126.
  • FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which new toner T is supplied to the toner storage unit 20 of the first casing 21 after the seal member 126 is attached.
  • FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are attached to the first casing 21 after the toner T is replenished.
  • FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a state in which the end portion of the seal member 126 is exposed to the outside through the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21.
  • FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the end portion of the seal member 126 is fixed to the first housing 21 with a fixing member 130 such as a tape.
  • 36 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second housing 22 including the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 is attached from the state of FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the end of the seal member 126 is fixed by the fixing member 130 and a handle 126a is attached instead.
  • FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a sealing member 127 on a flat plate as another embodiment of the sealing member.
  • FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a state in which the seal member 127 is exposed to the outside from almost the entire width direction of the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21 after the seal member 127 of FIG. 38 is attached. is there.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 10 to be recycled before it is used.
  • the toner cartridge 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11, and includes a charging roller 12 that is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 11 and serves as a means for charging the photosensitive drum 11. Further, a cleaning blade 13 is provided as means for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.
  • a developing roller 15 as developing means is provided so as to face the photosensitive drum 11, and a recovery blade 14 and a toner supply roller 16 are disposed so as to contact the developing roller.
  • An agitator 17 for smoothly supplying toner is provided, and one end of the agitator 17 is connected to a rotating shaft 18 that rotates the agitator 17.
  • the toner cartridge 10 is held by the first casing 21 and the second casing 22 (the casings 21 and 22) surrounded by each member.
  • the developing roller 15, the recovery blade 14, the toner supply roller 16, the agitator 17, the rotating shaft 18, and the developing blade 19 are arranged.
  • a space partitioned inside the first casing 21 is formed, and becomes a toner storage portion 20 in which toner is stored.
  • An agitator 17 and a rotating shaft 18 are disposed inside the toner storage unit 20, and the developing roller 15, the recovery blade 14, the toner supply roller 16, and the developing blade 19 are disposed outside the toner storage unit 20.
  • the toner storage unit 20 has an opening 20a in a part thereof, and the toner storage unit 20 and the portion where the toner supply roller 16 is disposed communicate with each other through the opening 20a.
  • the illustration of the developing blade 19 and the structure supporting it is omitted in any of the embodiments.
  • the recovery blade 14 is a member provided for preventing toner leakage. That is, the toner adheres to the developing roller 15 and is uniformly applied to the developing roller 15 by passing between the developing blade 19 and the toner. Thereafter, the toner is carried to the developing unit including the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 15 in the second casing 22.
  • a recovery blade 14 is provided where the toner remaining developed on the photosensitive drum 11 returns into the first housing 21. That is, the recovery blade 14 is provided in order to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap between the developing roller 15 as the return port and the first casing 21.
  • the recovery blade 14 is made of, for example, a film-like member and is in contact with the developing roller 15. By providing a member such as an elastic material such as a sponge between the recovery blade 14 and the first casing 21, the contact between the recovery blade 14 and the developing roller 15 is stabilized, and the toner leakage prevention function is further improved. There is also a case.
  • FIG. 2 shows a view of the opening 20a viewed from the direction indicated by II in FIG.
  • the opening 20a is not formed from one large opening, but a plurality of small openings 20b are arranged. Therefore, the opening 20a is provided with a threshold 20c between the openings 20b.
  • the opening 20a is closed (sealed) by the sealing member 25 in order to prevent toner leakage before use.
  • the sealing member 25 is a film-like sealing material.
  • One end of the seal member 25 is attached to the rotary shaft 18.
  • the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 are disposed in the second housing 22.
  • the rotating shaft 18 rotates as shown by III in FIG. 3, and the seal member 25 is pulled and detached from the opening 20a.
  • the closed state is released, and the toner stored in the toner storage unit 20 can flow out of the toner storage unit 20.
  • FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 including the toner cartridge 10.
  • a recording medium such as paper moves as shown by an arrow IV in FIG. 4, and is sandwiched between a transfer roller 1a and a photosensitive drum 11 on which an image is formed, The image is transferred to a recording medium. Thereafter, the image is fixed on the recording medium by the fixing device 2 and discharged.
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 show diagrams for explanation. This will be described with reference to these drawings.
  • the opened opening 20a is closed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, an elastic film-like seal member 125 is inserted from between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the seal member 125 closes the opening 20a and is arranged so that the seal member 125 reaches a position sandwiched between the first casing 21 and the toner supply roller 16. . Thereby, the seal member 125 is stably arranged. At this time, since the partition 20c is formed in the opening 20a as described above, the seal member 125 is prevented from entering the toner storage unit 20.
  • the seal member 125 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member having elasticity.
  • a film made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • Such a film preferably has a thickness of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm. More specific examples include MC502 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, IT-125PF manufactured by Plus Corporation, VF-1411N manufactured by Kokuyo Corporation, TY771, AF4300 manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Corporation, and the like.
  • the fixing method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an adhesive tape, an adhesive, welding, and pinning.
  • a hole 21 a is formed in at least a part of the wall constituting the toner storage unit 20 in the first housing 21.
  • the method for opening the hole 21a is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include punching, cutting with a drill, and melting.
  • formation of this hole 21a may be performed before installation of the sealing member 125, and the sealing member 125 can be installed as described above after formation of the hole 21a.
  • the position, shape, number, etc. of the holes 21a are not particularly limited.
  • the toner for recycling is supplied to the inside of the first casing 21 through the hole 21a as shown by an arrow VII in FIG.
  • the toner is prevented from leaking from the toner storage unit 20.
  • a method for fixing the lid 121 to the first housing 21 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include adhesion, adhesion, tape fixing, welding, and screwing.
  • the material of the lid 121 is not particularly limited, and various resins, metals, rubbers, polyurethanes, sponges, and the like can be used.
  • the toner cartridge 110 recycled in the posture shown in FIG. 8 is provided to the user or the like.
  • the user who uses the toner cartridge 110 pulls out the seal member 125 and removes the seal member 125 immediately before the toner cartridge 110 is mounted on the image forming apparatus. As a result, the opening 20a is opened again, and the toner is discharged and can be used.
  • the toner can be properly replenished even if the toner cartridge does not have an opening for replenishing the toner before recycling. It is.
  • FIG. 9A the toner cartridge to be recycled is set in a posture in which the opening 20 a is disposed on the upper portion of the toner storage unit 20.
  • the developing roller 15 is detached from the first housing 21 as shown in FIG.
  • a flexible tubular or funnel-shaped toner supply member 150 is inserted into the first housing 21 from the side where the developing roller 15 is disposed, and the tip of the toner supply member 150 is an opening. It is arranged so as to penetrate the opening 20b of 20a and reach the inside of the toner storage unit 20. Then, as indicated by X in FIG. 10, toner is supplied from the toner supply member 150, and the toner storage unit 20 is supplied with recycling toner. As a result, the toner for recycling enters the toner storage unit 20, and the toner supply is completed.
  • the developing roller 15 is returned to its original position, and as shown in FIG. 11A, the elastic film-like seal member 125 is attached to the developing roller 15, the first casing 21, and the like as in the above embodiment. Insert from between.
  • the seal member 125 closes the opening 20a and is disposed so that the seal member 125 reaches a position sandwiched between the first casing 21 and the toner supply roller 16. .
  • the seal member 125 is stably arranged.
  • the end of the seal member 125 opposite to the inserted side is fixed to the first housing 21.
  • the toner can be properly replenished by the toner replenishing method and the recycled toner cartridge manufacturing method as in this embodiment. It is. Further, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to make a hole in the housing, so that the process can be simplified.
  • the order is that the seal roller 125 is inserted after the developing roller 15 is returned to the original position.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and after the seal member 125 is inserted to some extent inside the first housing 21, The developing roller 15 may be returned to the original position.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 10.
  • FIG. 1 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
  • the first casing 21 is provided with end plates 121a and 121b at both ends thereof.
  • the second casing 22 is supported by the first casing 21 by being sandwiched and held between the end plates 121a and 121b.
  • FIGS. 13 to 16 show diagrams for explanation.
  • 13 is a perspective view of the rotary shaft 18
  • FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of one example orthogonal to the axis of the shaft portion 18a of the rotary shaft 18
  • FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of another example
  • FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view in the direction along the axis of the rotary shaft 18, and
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view in the direction along the axis in the posture in which the rotary shaft 18 is disposed in the first housing 21.
  • the rotating shaft 18 includes a shaft portion 18a, a gear portion 18p, and a support shaft 18v.
  • the shaft portion 18a is a cylindrical member in the example shown in FIG. 14 (a), and a plurality of holes 18b are provided in the wall portion to communicate the inside and outside of the tube.
  • the shaft portion 18′a shown in FIG. 14 (b) is a rod-shaped section having a C-shaped section or an U-shaped section having an opening 18′c formed by cutting a part of a cylindrical shape. The inside and outside communicate with each other through the opening 18'c.
  • the shaft portion 18'a may be provided with a hole 18b in addition to the opening 18'c.
  • the gear portion 18p is a gear provided at one end of the shaft portion 18a in the axial direction. Therefore, the gear portion 18p is formed to have a disc-shaped gear wheel 18q having a tooth portion formed on the outer peripheral end portion thereof, and a connecting portion 18r for connecting to the end portion of the shaft portion 18a.
  • the disc-shaped gear 18q is provided with a recess 18t at the center thereof, and a bottom 18u is provided at the bottom of the recess 18t.
  • the gear portion 18p is connected by inserting the connecting portion 18r inside the cylindrical shaft portion 18a. At that time, the locking protrusions 18s provided on the side surface of the connecting portion 18r are inserted into the locking holes 18d of the shaft portion 18a, thereby connecting the two.
  • the support shaft 18v is a rod-like member that protrudes in the axial direction of the shaft portion 18a provided at the other end opposite to the gear portion 18p among the end portions in the axial direction of the shaft portion 18a.
  • Such a rotating shaft 18 is rotatably held so as to pass an opposing wall of the first housing 21 as shown in FIG. 16, for example. That is, on one side, the support shaft 18v is disposed in the hole of the first casing 21, and the coupling part 18r of the gear portion 18p is disposed through the opposite wall of the first casing 21. Is done.
  • the gear 18q is disposed outside the first housing 21 and between the end plate 121a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 121c of the end plate 121a is inserted into the recess 18t of the gear 18q.
  • the rotary shaft 18 is given a driving force to the gear portion 18p directly from the image forming apparatus main body or via another member, whereby the shaft portion 18a rotates about the axis.
  • FIGS. 17 to 21 show diagrams for explanation. This will be described with reference to these drawings.
  • the end plate 121a is removed, the gear 18q of the gear portion 18p is exposed, and a hole 18e penetrating the bottom portion 18u is formed as shown in FIG.
  • the method for making a hole is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include cutting with a drill or an end mill, punching, melting, and the like. Thereby, the inner side of the axial part 18a and the exterior of the 1st housing
  • This replenishment includes, for example, inserting a tube (funnel), a funnel or the like into the recess 18t and the hole 18e, and supplying the toner therefrom.
  • the toner thus supplied passes through the hole 18b of the shaft portion 18a from the inside of the shaft portion 18a and is stored in the toner storage portion 20. As a result, new toner is supplied.
  • the old toner remaining from the hole 18e may be discarded before the new toner is replenished, or the old toner may be cleaned by jetting pressurized air or the like from the hole 18e.
  • the developing roller 15 and the like are removed from the first casing 21, the interior is cleaned with a wide opening, and the developing roller 15 is set, and then toner is supplied from the hole 18e. May be.
  • the toner cartridge has a structure in which the gap is closed using an elastic member or the like around the developing roller. It is not possible to prevent the partial toner blocked by the elastic member from being leaked by vibration during transportation before use. Therefore, it is common to completely seal with a toner seal before use so that the toner does not leak due to vibration. That is, after the above internal cleaning, after sealing with a toner seal, new toner may be supplied from the hole 18e.
  • the hole 18e is closed to prevent the toner from leaking.
  • the method for closing the hole 18e is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the sponge 119 is inserted into the recess 18t.
  • resin or rubber can be packed or welded.
  • the end plate 121a is remounted as shown in FIG.
  • the toner supply is completed, and a recycled toner cartridge is manufactured.
  • the protrusion 121c may be cut as necessary as shown in FIG.
  • FIGS. 22 to 24 show a toner supply method according to another embodiment and a process for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge.
  • the locking projection 18s is moved using the tool 30, and the locked state with the locking hole 18d is released. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the gear portion 18p is detached from the shaft portion 18a.
  • new toner is supplied as shown by an arrow XVI in FIG.
  • a tube or a funnel is inserted into the shaft portion 18a through a hole in the housing 21, and the toner can be supplied therefrom.
  • the toner thus supplied passes through the hole 18b of the shaft portion 18a from the inside of the shaft portion 18a and is stored in the toner storage portion 20. As a result, new toner is supplied.
  • cleaning or sealing with a toner seal may be performed before the toner supply.
  • the member used for replenishing toner is not limited to this. That is, a hole may be formed in a gear portion that drives another mechanism different from the rotating shaft of the agitator provided in the toner cartridge, and toner may be supplied to the toner storage portion through the hole. Alternatively, a mode in which a gear portion that drives another mechanism different from the rotation shaft of the agitator provided in the toner cartridge is removed, and the toner is replenished from the removed portion.
  • the toner cartridge 10 when the toner in the toner storage unit 20 is used up, another method for supplying toner to the toner cartridge, a method for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge, and another method for regenerating the toner cartridge will be described. .
  • FIG. 25 shows the toner cartridge 10 before cartridge regeneration.
  • FIG. 25 shows a state in which the toner cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 is turned upside down and left and right, and the configuration is the same as that of FIG.
  • FIG. 26 shows a state after the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, the second casing 22 including the cleaning blade 13, and the developing blade (not shown) are removed from the state of FIG.
  • FIG. 27 shows a state in which the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are removed from the state of FIG.
  • FIG. 28 shows a procedure for removing the toner supply roller 16 in the process from FIG. 26 to FIG.
  • FIG. 28A shows a state where the toner supply roller 16 is attached to the first housing 21.
  • the toner supply roller 16 includes a toner supply roller shaft 16a directly attached to the first housing 21 and a toner supply roller sponge member 16b bonded around the toner supply roller shaft 16a.
  • the operator does not separate the bearings at both ends of the toner supply roller 16 from the first housing 21, and the toner supply roller 16 as shown in FIG. Press against one of the bearings in the axial direction.
  • the adhesive portion between the toner supply roller shaft 16a and the toner supply roller sponge member 16b is partially peeled off while the compression portion 16c of the toner supply roller sponge member 16b is formed.
  • the toner supply roller shaft 16a moves to a position where the opposite end of the toner supply roller shaft 16a is located inside the first casing 21.
  • the accuracy of the developing mechanism is not distorted, and finally the quality of the reproduction cartridge becomes clean, Excellent regeneration work becomes possible.
  • the developing roller 15 adjacent to the toner supply roller 16 can also be easily removed by moving toward one side in the axial direction.
  • FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the first casing 21 (a part of the first casing 21 is omitted) viewed from the upper right of FIG. 27, and the structure of the opening 20a shown in FIG. Appears. That is, the opening 20a is not formed from one large opening, but a plurality (four in this example) of small openings 20b are arranged. Therefore, the opening 20a is provided with a threshold 20c between the openings 20b.
  • a form-like seal member 126 is bonded to the opening 20a.
  • the bonding method include hot melt and double-sided tape, but are not particularly limited.
  • one end portion of the pasted seal member 126 is bent, and the end portion of the seal member 126 is brought out of the first casing 21.
  • the operator can remove the seal member 126 by pulling the end portion of the seal member 126 and release the block of the opening 20a.
  • the seal member 126 for example, as shown in FIG. 31, a long and narrow one can be used.
  • FIG. 32 shows a state in which new toner T is supplied to the toner storage portion 20 of the first casing 21 after the seal member 126 is pasted as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31.
  • This replenishment is possible, for example, by making a hole in a part of the first housing 21 and filling the toner T there from. Further, the toner T may be filled from the opening 20a before the seal member 126 is attached (the state shown in FIGS. 27 and 29), and then the seal member 126 may be bonded.
  • a hole is formed in the gear portion 18p that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge 10 such as the rotating shaft 18 of the agitator 17, and toner is supplied to the toner storage portion 20 through the hole.
  • the gear portion 18p that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge 10 such as the rotating shaft 18 may be removed, and toner may be supplied to the toner storage portion 20 from the removed portion (hole). Since such a method does not form scratches on the first housing 21 in the region that is visible from the outside, a beautiful finish is obtained. It should be noted that in the method of sticking the seal member after filling the toner, if the toner adheres to the adhesive portion of the seal member, the adhesive force may be reduced or the seal member may not be completely sealed.
  • FIG. 33 shows a state where the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are attached to the first casing 21 after the toner T is replenished in FIG.
  • the removed developing roller 15, toner supply roller 16, and developing blade may be used again, or may be replaced with new ones.
  • the end portion of the seal member 126 is exposed to the outside through the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21.
  • the seal member 126 is peeled off, the operator pulls out this end portion.
  • the seal member 126 is pulled out from the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21 in the lower left direction. That is, the series of operations described above is performed by pulling out the end portion of the seal member 126 exposed to the outside through the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first casing 21 and removing the seal member 126, so that the toner cartridge is removed.
  • 10 is a toner cartridge recycling method for setting 10 to a usable state.
  • FIG. 35 shows a state where the end of the seal member 126 is fixed to the first casing 21 with a fixing member 130 such as a tape.
  • a fixing member 130 such as a tape.
  • FIG. 36 shows a state in which the second housing 22 including the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 is attached from the state of FIG.
  • the completed toner cartridge 10 is set in the printer, and trial printing is performed to check whether there is any problem.
  • FIG. 37 shows a state in which the end of the seal member 126 is fixed by the fixing member 130 and a handle 126a is attached instead. If the handle 126a is made to function as a kind of obstacle so that the toner cartridge 10 cannot be set at the proper position of the printer, it can be used to prevent forgetting to remove the seal member 126. That is, when the seal member 126 is not pulled out together with the handle 126a, the handle 126a becomes an obstacle, and the toner cartridge 10 cannot be set at the correct position of the printer.
  • FIG. 38 shows another form of the seal member. Unlike the elongated and long shape of FIG. 31, the seal member 127 of FIG. 38 has a flat plate shape.
  • FIG. 39 shows a state where the seal member 127 is exposed to the outside from almost the entire width direction of the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first casing 21 after the seal member 127 of FIG. 38 is pasted. When the seal member 127 is peeled off, the operator pulls out this end portion. In this embodiment, the seal member 127 is pulled straight out from the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21.

Abstract

A method for replenishing a toner cartridge (10) with toner comprises: a step in which a seal member (125) is arranged in the gap between a housing (21) and a developing roller (15) in a toner cartridge (10) comprising the housing (21) and a developing roller (15) provided to the housing (21), said housing (21) being provided with a toner accommodation section (20) that is a part for accommodating toner and an opening (20a) for discharging the toner; and a step in which the opening (20a) is closed by the seal member (125).

Description

トナー補給方法、トナーカートリッジの製造方法、リサイクルトナーカートリッジ、及びトナーカートリッジの再生方法Toner supply method, toner cartridge manufacturing method, recycled toner cartridge, and toner cartridge regeneration method
　本発明は、レーザープリンターや複写機等の画像形成装置に装着されるトナーカートリッジにリサイクルのトナーを補給する方法、これによりリサイクルのトナーカートリッジを製造する方法及びトナーカートリッジの再生方法、ならびにリサイクルトナーカートリッジに関する。 The present invention relates to a method for supplying recycled toner to a toner cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or a copying machine, a method for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge, a method for regenerating the toner cartridge, and a recycled toner cartridge. About.
　トナーカートリッジは、レーザープリンター、複写機、ファクシミリ等の画像形成装置に装着されて用いられている。トナーカートリッジは、トナーを貯留するとともに、画像を形成し、画像を紙などの記録媒体に転写する手段を備えており、トナーの消費により利用が終わる。これに対して、トナーの補給や一部の部品の交換によりトナーカートリッジがリサイクルして再利用に供されることがある。トナーカートリッジのリサイクルの過程としては、清掃、損傷を受けた部品の交換、磨耗した部品の交換、及びトナーの補給が挙げられる。そしてこのリサイクル過程では、トナーカートリッジの分解及び再組み立てが必要となる。 The toner cartridge is used by being mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a copying machine, or a facsimile. The toner cartridge includes means for storing toner, forming an image, and transferring the image to a recording medium such as paper, and the use ends when the toner is consumed. On the other hand, the toner cartridge may be recycled and reused by replenishing toner or replacing some parts. The process of recycling the toner cartridge includes cleaning, replacing damaged parts, replacing worn parts, and replenishing toner. In this recycling process, it is necessary to disassemble and reassemble the toner cartridge.
　トナーカートリッジにおいて、画像を形成するためトナーはトナー容器（トナーホッパー）に蓄えられている。リサイクルする際に、通常、トナーカートリッジを形成する筐体に設けられた開口部からトナー容器内にトナーが注がれることで補給される（例えば特許文献１のトナー補給口）。そして補給後に当該開口部が塞がれ、これにより輸送等における使用前のトナーの漏れが防止される。 In the toner cartridge, toner is stored in a toner container (toner hopper) to form an image. When the toner is recycled, the toner is normally supplied by being poured into the toner container from an opening provided in the housing forming the toner cartridge (for example, a toner supply port of Patent Document 1). Then, after the replenishment, the opening is closed, thereby preventing leakage of toner before use in transportation or the like.
日本国特開２０１４－１５３６４１号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-153641
　しかしながら、トナーカートリッジの種類によっては上記した開口部が溶接されて塞がれており、トナー補給口を利用することができず、これまでの方法でトナーの補充をすることができないことがあった。 However, depending on the type of toner cartridge, the above-mentioned opening is welded and closed, and the toner replenishing port cannot be used, and toner replenishment may not be possible by the conventional methods. .
　そこで本発明は上記問題点に鑑み、リサイクル前においてトナーを補給するための開口が設けられていないトナーカートリッジであっても適切にトナーの補給が可能なトナーの補給方法を提供することを課題とする。また、これによるリサイクルされたトナーカートリッジの製造方法、及びリサイクルトナーカートリッジを提供する。 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toner replenishing method capable of appropriately replenishing toner even if the toner cartridge is not provided with an opening for replenishing toner before recycling. To do. Also provided are a method for producing a recycled toner cartridge and a recycled toner cartridge.
　本発明は、トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法であって、トナーを収納する部位であるトナー収納部及びトナーを排出するための開口部とを具備する筐体と、前記筐体に備えられた現像ローラと、を有するトナーカートリッジの前記現像ローラと前記筐体との隙間にシール部材を配置する過程と、前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖する過程と、を含む。 The present invention is a method for supplying toner to a toner cartridge, and includes a housing including a toner storage portion that is a portion for storing toner and an opening for discharging the toner, and the housing includes A step of disposing a seal member in a gap between the developing roller and the housing of a toner cartridge having a developing roller, and a step of closing the opening by the seal member.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法の一態様として、例えば、筐体に穴を開ける過程、シール部材により開口部を閉鎖する過程、及び穴からリサイクル用のトナーを補給する過程、を含む。 One aspect of the method for replenishing toner to the toner cartridge of the present invention includes, for example, a process of opening a hole in a housing, a process of closing an opening with a seal member, and a process of replenishing toner for recycling from the hole. .
　本発明のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法の一態様として、例えば、開口部からリサイクル用のトナーを補給してから、開口部を閉鎖する過程により該開口部を閉鎖する。 As one aspect of the method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge of the present invention, for example, after replenishing toner for recycling from the opening, the opening is closed in the process of closing the opening.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法の一態様として、例えば、シール部材のうち、筐体の外部に突出している部位を筐体に固定する過程を含む。 As one aspect of the method for replenishing toner to the toner cartridge of the present invention, for example, a step of fixing a portion of the seal member that protrudes outside the housing to the housing is included.
　本発明のリサイクルによるトナーカートリッジの製造方法は、トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法を含む、リサイクルによるトナーカートリッジの製造方法である。 The method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling according to the present invention is a method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling, including a method of supplying toner to the toner cartridge.
　本発明のリサイクルによるトナーカートリッジの製造方法は、トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法を含み、穴にフタを固定して塞ぐ工程を含む、リサイクルによるトナーカートリッジの製造方法である。 The method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling according to the present invention includes a method of supplying toner to the toner cartridge, and a method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling including a step of fixing and closing a lid in a hole.
　本発明は、リサイクルされたトナーカートリッジであって、その内側にトナーを収納する部位であるトナー収納部を具備する筐体と、筐体に備えられた現像ローラ及びトナー供給ローラと、を有し、現像ローラと筐体との間、及びトナー供給ローラと筐体との間に挟まれ、トナー収納部に設けられた開口を塞ぐシール部材が配置された、リサイクルトナーカートリッジである。 The present invention is a recycled toner cartridge, and includes a housing including a toner storage portion that is a portion for storing toner therein, and a developing roller and a toner supply roller provided in the housing. The recycled toner cartridge includes a seal member disposed between the developing roller and the housing and between the toner supply roller and the housing and closing an opening provided in the toner storage unit.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジの再生方法は、トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法により、前記トナー収納部にトナーを補給した後、前記現像ローラと前記筐体との隙間を介して外部に露出した前記シール部材の端部を引き抜き、当該シール部材を取り除くことにより、トナーカートリッジを使用可能な状態にする、トナーカートリッジ再生方法である。 The toner cartridge regeneration method of the present invention is the method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge by a method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge, and then exposing the seal to the outside through a gap between the developing roller and the housing. This is a toner cartridge recycling method in which the end of the member is pulled out and the seal member is removed to make the toner cartridge usable.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジの再生方法の一態様として、例えば、前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖した後、前記トナーカートリッジの少なくとも一部の機構を駆動する歯車部に穴を開け、該穴を通じて前記トナー収納部へトナーを補給する過程を含む。 As one aspect of the method for regenerating the toner cartridge of the present invention, for example, after the opening is closed by the seal member, a hole is formed in a gear portion that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge, Including a process of supplying toner to the toner storage unit.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジ再生方法の一態様として、例えば、前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖した後、前記トナーカートリッジの少なくとも一部の機構を駆動する歯車部を取り外し、当該取り外した部位から前記トナー収納部へトナーを補給する過程を含む。 As one aspect of the toner cartridge regeneration method of the present invention, for example, after the opening is closed by the seal member, a gear portion that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge is removed, and the toner is removed from the removed portion. Including a process of replenishing toner to the storage unit.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジの再生方法の一態様として、例えば、前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖した後、前記現像ローラに少量の試験用トナーを補給し、前記現像ローラの回転により前記シール部材が巻き込まれないように、外部に露出した前記シール部材の端部を固定し、試し印刷を実施する。 As one aspect of the toner cartridge regeneration method of the present invention, for example, after the opening is closed by the sealing member, a small amount of test toner is supplied to the developing roller, and the developing roller rotates to rotate the developing roller. The end of the seal member exposed to the outside is fixed so as not to be caught, and test printing is performed.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジの再生方法の一態様として、例えば、前記シール部材の端部に持ち手を付け、当該シール部材を持ち手と共に引き抜かない場合、持ち手が障害となり、プリンターの正しい位置にセットできない。 As one aspect of the toner cartridge recycling method of the present invention, for example, when a handle is attached to the end of the seal member and the seal member is not pulled out together with the handle, the handle becomes an obstacle and set at the correct position of the printer. Can not.
　本発明のトナーカートリッジの再生方法の一態様として、例えば、トナー供給ローラを再生作業中に一旦取り除く際、前記トナー供給ローラの両端の軸受けを前記筐体から分離せず、前記トナー供給ローラを軸方向に軸受に押し付け、前記トナー供給ローラの軸とトナー供給ローラスポンジ部材の間の接着を部分的に剥がし、押し付けた反対側の端部がその軸受の筐体の内側になる位置まで移動し軸受から抜き出し、前記トナー供給ローラを前記筐体から取り除く。 As one aspect of the toner cartridge regeneration method of the present invention, for example, when the toner supply roller is once removed during the regeneration operation, the bearings at both ends of the toner supply roller are not separated from the housing, and the toner supply roller is pivoted. Pressed against the bearing in the direction, partially peels off the adhesion between the shaft of the toner supply roller and the toner supply roller sponge member, and moves to a position where the opposite end of the pressed portion is inside the housing of the bearing The toner supply roller is removed from the housing.
　本発明は、トナーカートリッジのトナー収納部を封止する方法であって、トナーを収納する部位であるトナー収納部及びトナーを排出するための開口部を具備する筐体と、前記筐体に備えられた現像ローラと、を有するトナーカートリッジの前記現像ローラと前記筐体との隙間にシール部材を配置する過程と、前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖する過程と、を含む。 The present invention is a method for sealing a toner storage portion of a toner cartridge, and includes a housing including a toner storage portion that is a portion for storing toner and an opening for discharging the toner, and the housing. A step of disposing a seal member in a gap between the developing roller of the toner cartridge and the housing of the toner cartridge, and a step of closing the opening by the seal member.
　本発明によれば、リサイクル前においてトナーを補給するための開口が設けられていないトナーカートリッジであっても適切にトナーの補給が可能となる。 According to the present invention, even if the toner cartridge is not provided with an opening for supplying the toner before recycling, the toner can be appropriately supplied.
図１は、リサイクル対象となるトナーカートリッジ１０の使用前の構造を示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure before use of a toner cartridge 10 to be recycled. 図２は、第一の筐体２１に具備される開口部２０ａの構造を説明する図である。FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the structure of the opening 20 a provided in the first housing 21. 図３は、リサイクル対象となるトナーカートリッジ１０の使用の際の構造を示す断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure when the toner cartridge 10 to be recycled is used. 図４は、画像形成装置の構成を説明する概念図である。FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus. 図５（ａ）、図５（ｂ）はトナー補給方法、及びトナーカートリッジの製造方法の一場面を示す図である。FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a scene of the toner replenishing method and the toner cartridge manufacturing method. 図６は、トナー補給方法、及びトナーカートリッジの製造方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner replenishing method and the toner cartridge manufacturing method. 図７は、トナー補給方法、及びトナーカートリッジの製造方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner replenishing method and the toner cartridge manufacturing method. 図８は、リサイクルによるトナーカートリッジ１１０の構造を示す断面図である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the toner cartridge 110 by recycling. 図９（ａ）、図９（ｂ）は他の形態のトナー補給方法、及びトナーカートリッジの製造方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams showing a scene of another embodiment of a toner replenishing method and a toner cartridge manufacturing method. 図１０は、他の形態のトナー補給方法、及びトナーカートリッジの製造方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a scene of another embodiment of a toner replenishing method and a toner cartridge manufacturing method. 図１１（ａ）、図１１（ｂ）は他の形態のトナー補給方法、及びトナーカートリッジの製造方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are diagrams showing a scene of another embodiment of a toner replenishing method and a toner cartridge manufacturing method. 図１２は、リサイクル対象となるトナーカートリッジ１０の斜視図である。FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 10 to be recycled. 図１３は、回転軸１８の斜視図である。FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotating shaft 18. 図１４（ａ）は軸部１８ａの断面図であり、図１４（ｂ）は他の形態の軸部１８’ａの断面図である。14A is a cross-sectional view of the shaft portion 18a, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the shaft portion 18'a. 図１５は、回転軸１８の軸線方向の断面図である。FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft 18 in the axial direction. 図１６は、回転軸１８が筐体２１に配置された図である。FIG. 16 is a diagram in which the rotation shaft 18 is arranged in the housing 21. 図１７は、トナー補給方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method. 図１８は、トナー補給方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a scene of the toner replenishing method. 図１９は、トナー補給方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method. 図２０は、トナー補給方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method. 図２１（ａ）はトナー補給方法の一場面を示す図、図２１（ｂ）はトナー補給方法の他の態様の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 21A is a diagram showing one scene of the toner replenishing method, and FIG. 21B is a diagram showing one scene of another aspect of the toner replenishing method. 図２２は、他の形態におけるトナー補給方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating one scene of the toner supply method according to another embodiment. 図２３は、他の形態におけるトナー補給方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a scene of the toner supply method according to another embodiment. 図２４は、他の形態におけるトナー補給方法の一場面を示す図である。FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a scene of the toner supply method according to another embodiment. 図２５は、カートリッジ再生前のトナーカートリッジ１０の構造を示す断面図である。FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the toner cartridge 10 before cartridge regeneration. 図２６は、図２５の状態から、感光体ドラム１１、帯電ローラ１２、クリーニングブレード１３を含む第二の筐体２２を取外した後の状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the second housing 22 including the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 is removed from the state of FIG. 図２７は、図２６の状態から、現像ローラ１５とトナー供給ローラ１６を取り除いた状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are removed from the state of FIG. 図２８（ａ）、図２８（ｂ）、図２８（ｃ）は、図２６から図２７に至る過程におけるトナー供給ローラ１６の外し方の手順を示す図である。FIG. 28A, FIG. 28B, and FIG. 28C are diagrams showing a procedure for removing the toner supply roller 16 in the process from FIG. 26 to FIG. 図２９は、第一の筐体２１の斜視図であり、図２の開口部２０ａの構造を示す図である。FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the first casing 21 and shows the structure of the opening 20a of FIG. 図３０は、開口部２０ａにフォルム状のシール部材１２６を接着する状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a form-like seal member 126 is bonded to the opening 20a. 図３１は、第一の筐体２１の斜視図であり、細長い長尺状のシール部材１２６を示す図である。FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the first housing 21 and shows a long and narrow seal member 126. 図３２は、シール部材１２６を貼付した後、新しいトナーＴを第一の筐体２１のトナー収納部２０に補給した状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which new toner T is supplied to the toner storage unit 20 of the first casing 21 after the seal member 126 is attached. 図３３は、トナーＴを補給した後、現像ローラ１５とトナー供給ローラ１６を第一の筐体２１に取り付けた状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are attached to the first casing 21 after the toner T is replenished. 図３４は、シール部材１２６の端部が、現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１の隙間から外部に露出している状態を示す斜視図である。FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a state in which the end portion of the seal member 126 is exposed to the outside through the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21. 図３５は、シール部材１２６の端部をテープなどの固定部材１３０で第一の筐体２１に固定した状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the end portion of the seal member 126 is fixed to the first housing 21 with a fixing member 130 such as a tape. 図３６は、図３５の状態から、感光体ドラム１１、帯電ローラ１２、クリーニングブレード１３を含む第二の筐体２２を取り付けた状態を示す断面図である。36 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second housing 22 including the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 is attached from the state of FIG. 図３７は、シール部材１２６の端部の固定部材１３０による固定を外し、代わりに持ち手１２６ａを付けた状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the end of the seal member 126 is fixed by the fixing member 130 and a handle 126a is attached instead. 図３８は、シール部材の他の形態であって、平板上のシール部材１２７を示す斜視図である。FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a sealing member 127 on a flat plate as another embodiment of the sealing member. 図３９は、図３８のシール部材１２７を貼付した後、シール部材１２７が、現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１の隙間の幅方向ほぼ全域から外部に露出している状態を示す斜視図である。FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a state in which the seal member 127 is exposed to the outside from almost the entire width direction of the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21 after the seal member 127 of FIG. 38 is attached. is there.
　以下本発明を図面に示す形態に基づき説明する。ただし本発明はこれら形態に限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these forms.
　図１にはリサイクルの対象となるトナーカートリッジ１０が、使用される前の状態における断面図を示した。トナーカートリッジ１０は、図１に示すように感光体ドラム１１を備え、該感光体ドラム１１に隣接し、感光体ドラム１１を帯電させる手段である帯電ローラ１２を具備している。さらに感光体ドラム１１の表面をクリーニングする手段としてクリーニングブレード１３が設けられている。 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 10 to be recycled before it is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11, and includes a charging roller 12 that is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 11 and serves as a means for charging the photosensitive drum 11. Further, a cleaning blade 13 is provided as means for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.
　また、感光体ドラム１１に対向するように、現像手段である現像ローラ１５が具備され、現像ローラに接触するようにリカバリーブレード１４、及びトナー供給ローラ１６が配置されている。そして、トナーを円滑に供給するためのアジテーター１７が備えられ、アジテーター１７を回転させる回転軸１８にアジテーター１７の一端が接続されている。 Further, a developing roller 15 as developing means is provided so as to face the photosensitive drum 11, and a recovery blade 14 and a toner supply roller 16 are disposed so as to contact the developing roller. An agitator 17 for smoothly supplying toner is provided, and one end of the agitator 17 is connected to a rotating shaft 18 that rotates the agitator 17.
　図１からわかるように、本形態ではトナーカートリッジ１０は、第一の筐体２１及び第二の筐体２２（筐体２１および２２）により各部材が囲まれて保持されている。 As can be seen from FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 10 is held by the first casing 21 and the second casing 22 (the casings 21 and 22) surrounded by each member.
　第一の筐体２１には、上記した現像ローラ１５、リカバリーブレード１４、トナー供給ローラ１６、アジテーター１７、回転軸１８、現像ブレード１９、が配置されている。そして、この第一の筐体２１の内側に区画された空間が形成され、ここにトナーが収納されるトナー収納部２０となる。トナー収納部２０の内側にアジテーター１７及び回転軸１８が配置されており、現像ローラ１５、リカバリーブレード１４、トナー供給ローラ１６、現像ブレード１９はトナー収納部２０の外に配置されている。そしてトナー収納部２０は、その一部に開口部２０ａが形成されており、この開口部２０ａにより、トナー収納部２０とトナー供給ローラ１６が配置された部位とが連通している。尚、図２以降では、いずれの実施形態においても現像ブレード１９及びそれを支える構造の図示は省略する。 In the first casing 21, the developing roller 15, the recovery blade 14, the toner supply roller 16, the agitator 17, the rotating shaft 18, and the developing blade 19 are arranged. A space partitioned inside the first casing 21 is formed, and becomes a toner storage portion 20 in which toner is stored. An agitator 17 and a rotating shaft 18 are disposed inside the toner storage unit 20, and the developing roller 15, the recovery blade 14, the toner supply roller 16, and the developing blade 19 are disposed outside the toner storage unit 20. The toner storage unit 20 has an opening 20a in a part thereof, and the toner storage unit 20 and the portion where the toner supply roller 16 is disposed communicate with each other through the opening 20a. In FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, the illustration of the developing blade 19 and the structure supporting it is omitted in any of the embodiments.
　リカバリーブレード１４は、トナーの漏れ防止のために設けられる部材である。すなわち、トナーは現像ローラ１５に付着し、現像ブレード１９との間を通過することで均一に現像ローラ１５に塗布される。その後、トナーは第二の筐体２２の感光体ドラム１１、現像ローラ１５を含む現像部へ運ばれる。感光体ドラム１１へ現像され残ったトナーが第一の筐体２１内へ戻ってくるところにリカバリーブレード１４が設けられている。すなわち、戻り口としての現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１との隙間からトナーが漏れないようにするためにリカバリーブレード１４が設けられている。リカバリーブレード１４は、例えばフィルム状の部材で構成され、現像ローラ１５と接触している。尚、リカバリーブレード１４と第一の筐体２１との間にスポンジの如き弾性体等の部材を設けることにより、リカバリーブレード１４と現像ローラ１５の接触が安定し、トナーの漏れ防止機能がより向上する場合もある。 The recovery blade 14 is a member provided for preventing toner leakage. That is, the toner adheres to the developing roller 15 and is uniformly applied to the developing roller 15 by passing between the developing blade 19 and the toner. Thereafter, the toner is carried to the developing unit including the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 15 in the second casing 22. A recovery blade 14 is provided where the toner remaining developed on the photosensitive drum 11 returns into the first housing 21. That is, the recovery blade 14 is provided in order to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap between the developing roller 15 as the return port and the first casing 21. The recovery blade 14 is made of, for example, a film-like member and is in contact with the developing roller 15. By providing a member such as an elastic material such as a sponge between the recovery blade 14 and the first casing 21, the contact between the recovery blade 14 and the developing roller 15 is stabilized, and the toner leakage prevention function is further improved. There is also a case.
　図２には、この開口部２０ａを図１にＩＩで示した方向から見た図を表した。図２かわかるように、本形態で開口部２０ａは１つの大きな開口から形成されているのはなく、小さな開口２０ｂが複数配列して形成されている。従って、開口部２０ａでは開口２０ｂの間にしきり２０ｃが設けられている。 FIG. 2 shows a view of the opening 20a viewed from the direction indicated by II in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the opening 20a is not formed from one large opening, but a plurality of small openings 20b are arranged. Therefore, the opening 20a is provided with a threshold 20c between the openings 20b.
　このようなトナーカートリッジ１０では、使用前において、トナーの漏洩を防ぐため、開口部２０ａがシール部材２５により閉鎖（シール）されている。シール部材２５はフィルム状のシール材である。そして、このシール部材２５の一端は回転軸１８に取り付けられている。 In such a toner cartridge 10, the opening 20a is closed (sealed) by the sealing member 25 in order to prevent toner leakage before use. The sealing member 25 is a film-like sealing material. One end of the seal member 25 is attached to the rotary shaft 18.
　一方、第二の筐体２２には、上記した感光体ドラム１１、帯電ローラ１２、及びクリーニングブレード１３が配置されている。 On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 are disposed in the second housing 22.
　トナーカートリッジ１０が画像形成装置本体に装着されると、図３にＩＩＩで示したように回転軸１８が回転し、シール部材２５が引っ張られて開口部２０ａから離脱する。これにより閉鎖状態が解除され、トナー収納部２０に収容されていたトナーがトナー収納部２０から流出できるようになる。 When the toner cartridge 10 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, the rotating shaft 18 rotates as shown by III in FIG. 3, and the seal member 25 is pulled and detached from the opening 20a. As a result, the closed state is released, and the toner stored in the toner storage unit 20 can flow out of the toner storage unit 20.
　トナーカートリッジ１０により、感光体ドラム１１に像が形成される過程は公知の通りである。 The process in which an image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by the toner cartridge 10 is known.
　図４には、トナーカートリッジ１０を備える画像形成装置１の概念図を示した。この画像形成装置１によれば、紙等の記録媒体が図４に矢印ＩＶで示したように移動し、転写ローラ１ａと像が表面に形成された感光体ドラム１１との間に挟まれ、当該像が記録媒体に転写される。その後、定着装置２により記録媒体に像が定着され、排出される。 FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 including the toner cartridge 10. According to this image forming apparatus 1, a recording medium such as paper moves as shown by an arrow IV in FIG. 4, and is sandwiched between a transfer roller 1a and a photosensitive drum 11 on which an image is formed, The image is transferred to a recording medium. Thereafter, the image is fixed on the recording medium by the fixing device 2 and discharged.
　次にトナーカートリッジ１０において、トナー収納部２０の中のトナーを使い切ったときに、トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法、及びリサイクルトナーカートリッジの製造方法の第一の形態について説明する。図５～図８に説明のための図を表した。これらの図を参照しつつ説明する。 Next, a description will be given of a first embodiment of a method for supplying toner to the toner cartridge when the toner in the toner storage unit 20 is used up in the toner cartridge 10 and a method for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge. FIGS. 5 to 8 show diagrams for explanation. This will be described with reference to these drawings.
　はじめに開放されている開口部２０ａを塞ぐ。具体的には図５（ａ）に示したように、弾力性のあるフィルム状のシール部材１２５を現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１との間から差し込む。そして図５（ｂ）に示したようにシール部材１２５が開口部２０ａを塞ぐとともに、シール部材１２５が第一の筐体２１とトナー供給ローラ１６との間に挟まれる位置まで達するように配置する。これによりシール部材１２５が安定して配置される。このとき、上記したように開口部２０ａには、仕切り２０ｃが形成されているので、シール部材１２５がトナー収納部２０に侵入してしまうことが防止される。 First, the opened opening 20a is closed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, an elastic film-like seal member 125 is inserted from between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the seal member 125 closes the opening 20a and is arranged so that the seal member 125 reaches a position sandwiched between the first casing 21 and the toner supply roller 16. . Thereby, the seal member 125 is stably arranged. At this time, since the partition 20c is formed in the opening 20a as described above, the seal member 125 is prevented from entering the toner storage unit 20.
　シール部材１２５は弾力性を有する部材であれば特に限定されることはないが、例えばポリエチレンテレフタレート（ＰＥＴ）によるフィルムを挙げることができる。このようなフィルムとして厚さが０．０３ｍｍ以上０．３ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。より具体的な例として、三菱化学株式会社製のＭＣ５０２、プラス株式会社のＩＴ－１２５ＰＦ、コクヨ株式会社のＶＦ－１４１１Ｎ、及び、住友スリーエム株式会社のＴＹ７７１、ＡＦ４３００等を挙げることができる。 The seal member 125 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member having elasticity. For example, a film made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used. Such a film preferably has a thickness of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm. More specific examples include MC502 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, IT-125PF manufactured by Plus Corporation, VF-1411N manufactured by Kokuyo Corporation, TY771, AF4300 manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Corporation, and the like.
　次に、図６に示したように、シール部材１２５のうち差し込まれた側と反対側の端部を第一の筐体２１に固定する。これによりシール部材１２５が第一の筐体２１にさらに安定して配置される。固定の方法は特に限定されることはないが、粘着テープ、粘着剤、溶接、ピン止め等を挙げることができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the end of the seal member 125 opposite to the inserted side is fixed to the first casing 21. As a result, the seal member 125 is more stably disposed on the first housing 21. The fixing method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an adhesive tape, an adhesive, welding, and pinning.
　次に図７に示したように、第一の筐体２１のうちトナー収納部２０を構成する壁の少なくとも一部に穴２１ａを開ける。穴２１ａを開ける方法は特に限定されることはないが、打ち抜き、ドリルによる切削、溶融等を挙げることができる。なお、この穴２１ａの形成は、シール部材１２５の設置前に行われてもよく、その際には穴２１ａの形成後にシール部材１２５を上記のように設置することができる。また、穴２１ａの位置、形状、数などは特に限定されない。 Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a hole 21 a is formed in at least a part of the wall constituting the toner storage unit 20 in the first housing 21. The method for opening the hole 21a is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include punching, cutting with a drill, and melting. In addition, formation of this hole 21a may be performed before installation of the sealing member 125, and the sealing member 125 can be installed as described above after formation of the hole 21a. Further, the position, shape, number, etc. of the holes 21a are not particularly limited.
　シール部材１２５の設置及び穴２１ａが形成されたら、図７の矢印ＶＩＩに示したように、リサイクル用のトナーを穴２１ａを通して第一の筐体２１の内側に補給する。このとき、開口部２０ａはシール部材１２５により既に閉鎖されているので、トナー収納部２０からトナーが漏洩することが防止されている。 When the seal member 125 is installed and the hole 21a is formed, the toner for recycling is supplied to the inside of the first casing 21 through the hole 21a as shown by an arrow VII in FIG. At this time, since the opening 20a is already closed by the seal member 125, the toner is prevented from leaking from the toner storage unit 20.
　リサイクル用のトナーがこのようにして第一の筐体２１の内側に補給された後に、第一の筐体２１に形成された穴２１ａをフタ１２１で塞ぐ。フタ１２１を第一の筐体２１に固定する方法は特に限定されることはないが、接着、粘着、テープ止め、溶着、及び、ねじ止め等を挙げることができる。また、フタ１２１の材料と特に限定されることはなく、各種樹脂、金属、ゴム、ポリウレタン、スポンジ等を用いることができる。 After the toner for recycling is thus supplied to the inside of the first casing 21, the hole 21 a formed in the first casing 21 is closed with the lid 121. A method for fixing the lid 121 to the first housing 21 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include adhesion, adhesion, tape fixing, welding, and screwing. The material of the lid 121 is not particularly limited, and various resins, metals, rubbers, polyurethanes, sponges, and the like can be used.
　そして図８に示した姿勢で運搬や保管が行われる。すなわち図８に示した姿勢でリサイクルされたトナーカートリッジ１１０として、ユーザー等に提供される。 And it is transported and stored in the posture shown in FIG. That is, the toner cartridge 110 recycled in the posture shown in FIG. 8 is provided to the user or the like.
　トナーカートリッジ１１０を使用するユーザーは、トナーカートリッジ１１０を画像形成装置に装着する直前に、シール部材１２５を引き抜き、シール部材１２５を離脱させる。これにより開口部２０ａが再び開放されて、トナーが排出され、利用することができるようになる。 The user who uses the toner cartridge 110 pulls out the seal member 125 and removes the seal member 125 immediately before the toner cartridge 110 is mounted on the image forming apparatus. As a result, the opening 20a is opened again, and the toner is discharged and can be used.
　以上のようなトナーの補給方法、及びリサイクルされたトナーカートリッジの製造方法によれば、リサイクル前においてトナーを補給するための開口が設けられていないトナーカートリッジであっても適切にトナーの補給が可能である。 According to the toner replenishing method and the recycled toner cartridge manufacturing method as described above, the toner can be properly replenished even if the toner cartridge does not have an opening for replenishing the toner before recycling. It is.
　図９～図１１には、他の形態について説明する図を示した。本形態では、まず、図９（ａ）に示したように、リサイクルしようとするトナーカートリッジを開口部２０ａがトナー収納部２０の上部に配置される姿勢とする。次に、図９（ｂ）に示したように現像ローラ１５を第一の筐体２１から離脱させる。 9 to 11 are diagrams for explaining other forms. In this embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 9A, the toner cartridge to be recycled is set in a posture in which the opening 20 a is disposed on the upper portion of the toner storage unit 20. Next, the developing roller 15 is detached from the first housing 21 as shown in FIG.
　次に、図１０に示したように、可撓性を有する管状又は漏斗状のトナー供給部材１５０を現像ローラ１５が配置されていた側から第一の筐体２１に差込み、その先端は開口部２０ａの開口２０ｂを貫通し、トナー収納部２０の内側に達するように配置する。そして図１０にＸで示したように、トナー供給部材１５０からトナーを供給し、トナー収納部２０にリサイクル用トナーを補給する。これによりリサイクル用のトナーがトナー収納部２０に入り、トナーの補給が完了する。 Next, as shown in FIG. 10, a flexible tubular or funnel-shaped toner supply member 150 is inserted into the first housing 21 from the side where the developing roller 15 is disposed, and the tip of the toner supply member 150 is an opening. It is arranged so as to penetrate the opening 20b of 20a and reach the inside of the toner storage unit 20. Then, as indicated by X in FIG. 10, toner is supplied from the toner supply member 150, and the toner storage unit 20 is supplied with recycling toner. As a result, the toner for recycling enters the toner storage unit 20, and the toner supply is completed.
　その後、現像ローラ１５を元の位置に戻し、図１１（ａ）に示したように、上記の形態同様に弾力性のあるフィルム状のシール部材１２５を現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１との間から差し込む。そして図１１（ｂ）に示したようにシール部材１２５が開口部２０ａを塞ぐとともに、シール部材１２５が第一の筐体２１とトナー供給ローラ１６との間に挟まれる位置まで達するように配置する。これによりシール部材１２５が安定して配置される。そして、図１１（ｂ）に示したように、シール部材１２５のうち差し込まれた側と反対側の端部を第一の筐体２１に固定する。 Thereafter, the developing roller 15 is returned to its original position, and as shown in FIG. 11A, the elastic film-like seal member 125 is attached to the developing roller 15, the first casing 21, and the like as in the above embodiment. Insert from between. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the seal member 125 closes the opening 20a and is disposed so that the seal member 125 reaches a position sandwiched between the first casing 21 and the toner supply roller 16. . Thereby, the seal member 125 is stably arranged. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the end of the seal member 125 opposite to the inserted side is fixed to the first housing 21.
　本形態のようなトナーの補給方法、及びリサイクルされたトナーカートリッジの製造方法によっても、リサイクル前においてトナーを補給するための開口が設けられていないトナーカートリッジであっても適切にトナーの補給が可能である。また、本形態によれば、筐体に穴を開ける必要が無いので、工程を簡略化することができる。 Even with a toner cartridge that does not have an opening for replenishing toner before recycling, the toner can be properly replenished by the toner replenishing method and the recycled toner cartridge manufacturing method as in this embodiment. It is. Further, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to make a hole in the housing, so that the process can be simplified.
　なお、ここでは、現像ローラ１５を元の位置に戻してからシール部材１２５を差し込む順であったが、これに限られず、シール部材１２５をある程度第一の筐体２１の内側に差し込んでから、現像ローラ１５を元の位置に戻してもよい。 Here, the order is that the seal roller 125 is inserted after the developing roller 15 is returned to the original position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the seal member 125 is inserted to some extent inside the first housing 21, The developing roller 15 may be returned to the original position.
　図１２はトナーカートリッジ１０の斜視図である。図１は図１２にＩＩ－ＩＩで示した線に沿った断面図に相当する。 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 10. FIG. 1 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
　第一の筐体２１には、図１２に表れているように、その両端のそれぞれに、端部板１２１ａ、１２１ｂが設けられている。この端部板１２１ａと端部板１２１ｂとに挟まれて保持されることにより、第二の筐体２２が第一の筐体２１に支持されている。 As shown in FIG. 12, the first casing 21 is provided with end plates 121a and 121b at both ends thereof. The second casing 22 is supported by the first casing 21 by being sandwiched and held between the end plates 121a and 121b.
　次に、図３の矢印ＩＩＩで示したように回転する回転軸１８について説明する。回転軸１８は例えば次のような構造を具備している。図１３～図１６に説明のための図を示した。図１３は回転軸１８の斜視図、図１４（ａ）は回転軸１８の軸部１８ａの軸線に直交する１つの例の断面図、図１４（ｂ）は他の例の断面図、図１５は回転軸１８の軸線に沿った方向の断面図、図１６は回転軸１８が第一の筐体２１に配置された姿勢における軸線に沿った方向の断面図である。 Next, the rotating shaft 18 that rotates as indicated by the arrow III in FIG. 3 will be described. The rotating shaft 18 has the following structure, for example. FIGS. 13 to 16 show diagrams for explanation. 13 is a perspective view of the rotary shaft 18, FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of one example orthogonal to the axis of the shaft portion 18a of the rotary shaft 18, FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of another example, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view in the direction along the axis of the rotary shaft 18, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view in the direction along the axis in the posture in which the rotary shaft 18 is disposed in the first housing 21.
　図１３～図１６よりわかるように、回転軸１８は、軸部１８ａ、歯車部１８ｐ、及び支持軸１８ｖを有して構成されている。 As can be seen from FIGS. 13 to 16, the rotating shaft 18 includes a shaft portion 18a, a gear portion 18p, and a support shaft 18v.
　軸部１８ａは、図１４（ａ）に示した例では筒状の部材であり、その壁部に筒状の内外を連通する複数の穴１８ｂが設けられている。一方、図１４（ｂ）に示した軸部１８’ａは筒状の一部を切り欠いたような開口１８’ｃを有する断面Ｃ字状、又は断面Ｕ字状の棒状であり、少なくともこの開口１８’ｃで内外が連通している。軸部１８’ａには図１４（ｂ）のように、開口１８’ｃに加えて穴１８ｂが設けられてもよい。 The shaft portion 18a is a cylindrical member in the example shown in FIG. 14 (a), and a plurality of holes 18b are provided in the wall portion to communicate the inside and outside of the tube. On the other hand, the shaft portion 18′a shown in FIG. 14 (b) is a rod-shaped section having a C-shaped section or an U-shaped section having an opening 18′c formed by cutting a part of a cylindrical shape. The inside and outside communicate with each other through the opening 18'c. As shown in FIG. 14B, the shaft portion 18'a may be provided with a hole 18b in addition to the opening 18'c.
　また、図１５、図１６に表れているように、軸部１８ａのうち歯車部１８ｐが設けられた側の端部には、歯車部１８ｐに設けられた係止突起１８ｓに係合する係止穴１８ｄが設けられている。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the end of the shaft portion 18a on the side where the gear portion 18p is provided is engaged with a locking protrusion 18s provided on the gear portion 18p. A hole 18d is provided.
　歯車部１８ｐは、軸部１８ａの軸線方向の一端部に設けられた歯車である。従って、歯車部１８ｐはその外周端部に歯部が形成された円板状の歯車１８ｑ及び、軸部１８ａの端部に連結するための連結部１８ｒを有して形成されている。図１５、図１６からわかるように、本形態では、円板状の歯車１８ｑには、その中央に凹部１８ｔが設けられ、凹部１８ｔの底には底部１８ｕが備えられている。 The gear portion 18p is a gear provided at one end of the shaft portion 18a in the axial direction. Therefore, the gear portion 18p is formed to have a disc-shaped gear wheel 18q having a tooth portion formed on the outer peripheral end portion thereof, and a connecting portion 18r for connecting to the end portion of the shaft portion 18a. As can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16, in this embodiment, the disc-shaped gear 18q is provided with a recess 18t at the center thereof, and a bottom 18u is provided at the bottom of the recess 18t.
　図１５、図１６からわかるように、本形態の場合には歯車部１８ｐはその連結部１８ｒが筒状の軸部１８ａの内側に挿入されることにより連結される。その際には連結部１８ｒの側面に設けられた係止突起１８ｓが軸部１８ａの係止穴１８ｄに挿入されることにより両者が連結される。 15 and 16, in the case of this embodiment, the gear portion 18p is connected by inserting the connecting portion 18r inside the cylindrical shaft portion 18a. At that time, the locking protrusions 18s provided on the side surface of the connecting portion 18r are inserted into the locking holes 18d of the shaft portion 18a, thereby connecting the two.
　支持軸１８ｖは、軸部１８ａの軸線方向の端部のうち、歯車部１８ｐと反対側である他端に設けられた軸部１８ａの軸線方向に突出する棒状の部材である。 The support shaft 18v is a rod-like member that protrudes in the axial direction of the shaft portion 18a provided at the other end opposite to the gear portion 18p among the end portions in the axial direction of the shaft portion 18a.
　このような回転軸１８は、例えば図１６に示したように第一の筐体２１の対向する壁を渡すように回転可能に保持されている。すなわち、一方側は、支持軸１８ｖが第一の筐体２１の穴に配置され、歯車部１８ｐの連結部１８ｒの第一の筐体２１の対向する他方側の壁を通されるように配置される。歯車１８ｑは第一の筐体２１の外で、端部板１２１ａとの間に配置される。本形態では、端部板１２１ａの突起１２１ｃが歯車１８ｑの凹部１８ｔに挿入されている。 Such a rotating shaft 18 is rotatably held so as to pass an opposing wall of the first housing 21 as shown in FIG. 16, for example. That is, on one side, the support shaft 18v is disposed in the hole of the first casing 21, and the coupling part 18r of the gear portion 18p is disposed through the opposite wall of the first casing 21. Is done. The gear 18q is disposed outside the first housing 21 and between the end plate 121a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 121c of the end plate 121a is inserted into the recess 18t of the gear 18q.
　回転軸１８は、歯車部１８ｐに画像形成装置本体から直接、又は他の部材を介して駆動力が付与され、これにより軸部１８ａがその軸線を中心に回転する。 The rotary shaft 18 is given a driving force to the gear portion 18p directly from the image forming apparatus main body or via another member, whereby the shaft portion 18a rotates about the axis.
　次にトナーカートリッジ１０において、トナー収納部２０の中のトナーを使い切ったときに、トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法、及びリサイクルトナーカートリッジの製造方法の他の形態について説明する。図１７～図２１に説明のための図を表した。これらの図を参照しつつ説明する。 Next, another method for supplying toner to the toner cartridge when the toner in the toner storage unit 20 is used up in the toner cartridge 10 and another method for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge will be described. FIGS. 17 to 21 show diagrams for explanation. This will be described with reference to these drawings.
　はじめに、端部板１２１ａを取り外し、歯車部１８ｐの歯車１８ｑを露出させ、図１７に示したように、底部１８ｕを貫通する穴１８ｅを形成する。穴を開ける方法は特に限定されることはないが、ドリルやエンドミル等による切削加工、打ち抜き、溶融等を挙げることができる。これにより、軸部１８ａの内側と第一の筐体２１の外部とが連通する。 First, the end plate 121a is removed, the gear 18q of the gear portion 18p is exposed, and a hole 18e penetrating the bottom portion 18u is formed as shown in FIG. The method for making a hole is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include cutting with a drill or an end mill, punching, melting, and the like. Thereby, the inner side of the axial part 18a and the exterior of the 1st housing | casing 21 are connected.
　次に、凹部１８ｔ、穴１８ｅを通じて図１８、図１９に矢印Ｘで示したように新しいトナーを補給する。この補給は例えばチューブ（管）や漏斗等を凹部１８ｔ、穴１８ｅに差し込み、ここからトナーを供給することが挙げられる。このように供給されたトナーは軸部１８ａの内側から該軸部１８ａの穴１８ｂを通過してトナー収納部２０に収納される。これにより新しいトナーが補給される。 Next, new toner is supplied through the recess 18t and the hole 18e as shown by the arrow X in FIGS. This replenishment includes, for example, inserting a tube (funnel), a funnel or the like into the recess 18t and the hole 18e, and supplying the toner therefrom. The toner thus supplied passes through the hole 18b of the shaft portion 18a from the inside of the shaft portion 18a and is stored in the toner storage portion 20. As a result, new toner is supplied.
　なお、新しいトナーを補給する前にこの穴１８ｅから残存している古いトナーを廃棄したり、この穴１８ｅから加圧した空気などを噴射して古いトナーの清掃を行ってもよい。また、当該清掃に関しては、現像ローラ１５などを第一の筐体２１から外し、広い開口を設けた上で内部を清掃し、現像ローラ１５をセットしたあとに、この穴１８ｅからトナーを補給してもよい。 It should be noted that the old toner remaining from the hole 18e may be discarded before the new toner is replenished, or the old toner may be cleaned by jetting pressurized air or the like from the hole 18e. For the cleaning, the developing roller 15 and the like are removed from the first casing 21, the interior is cleaned with a wide opening, and the developing roller 15 is set, and then toner is supplied from the hole 18e. May be.
　更にトナーカートリッジはその機構上、現像ローラの周辺に弾性部材などを用いて隙間を塞ぐ構造となっている。使用前の輸送時などの振動でこの弾性部材によって塞いだ部分トナーが漏れることは防げない。そこで振動によってトナーが漏れないように使用前はトナーシールで完全に封をすることが一般的である。すなわち上記の内部清掃後、トナーシールで封をした後にこの穴１８ｅから新しいトナーを補給しても良い。 Furthermore, the toner cartridge has a structure in which the gap is closed using an elastic member or the like around the developing roller. It is not possible to prevent the partial toner blocked by the elastic member from being leaked by vibration during transportation before use. Therefore, it is common to completely seal with a toner seal before use so that the toner does not leak due to vibration. That is, after the above internal cleaning, after sealing with a toner seal, new toner may be supplied from the hole 18e.
　このように新しいトナーが補給された後、トナーの漏洩を防止するために穴１８ｅを塞ぐ。穴１８ｅを塞ぐ方法は特に限定されることはないが、本形態では、図２０に示したように、スポンジ１１９を凹部１８ｔに挿入することによりおこなった。この他、樹脂やゴムを詰めたり、溶着したりすることもできる。 After the new toner is replenished in this way, the hole 18e is closed to prevent the toner from leaking. The method for closing the hole 18e is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the sponge 119 is inserted into the recess 18t. In addition, resin or rubber can be packed or welded.
　その後、端部板１２１ａを図２１（ａ）に示したように再装着する。これによりトナーの補給が完了し、リサイクルのトナーカートリッジの製造がおこなわれる。なお、端部板１２１ａを再装着するに際しては、図２１（ｂ）に示したように、突起１２１ｃを必要に応じて切断してもよい。 Thereafter, the end plate 121a is remounted as shown in FIG. Thus, the toner supply is completed, and a recycled toner cartridge is manufactured. When the end plate 121a is reattached, the protrusion 121c may be cut as necessary as shown in FIG.
　図２２～図２４には他の形態によるトナー補給方法、及びこれによりリサイクルのトナーカートリッジを製造する過程を示した。この例では、歯車部１８ｐに穴１８ｅを設けた後、図２２に示したように、工具３０を用いて、係止突起１８ｓを動かし、係止穴１８ｄとの係止状態を解除する。そして、図２３に示したように歯車部１８ｐを軸部１８ａから離脱する。 FIGS. 22 to 24 show a toner supply method according to another embodiment and a process for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge. In this example, after providing the hole 18e in the gear part 18p, as shown in FIG. 22, the locking projection 18s is moved using the tool 30, and the locked state with the locking hole 18d is released. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the gear portion 18p is detached from the shaft portion 18a.
　次に、図２４に矢印ＸＶＩで示したように新しいトナーを補給する。この補給は例えば筐体２１の穴を通して軸部１８ａの内側にチューブ（管）や漏斗等を差し込み、ここからトナーを供給することができる。このように供給されたトナーは軸部１８ａの内側から該軸部１８ａの穴１８ｂを通過してトナー収納部２０に収納される。これにより新しいトナーが補給される。 Next, new toner is supplied as shown by an arrow XVI in FIG. For this replenishment, for example, a tube or a funnel is inserted into the shaft portion 18a through a hole in the housing 21, and the toner can be supplied therefrom. The toner thus supplied passes through the hole 18b of the shaft portion 18a from the inside of the shaft portion 18a and is stored in the toner storage portion 20. As a result, new toner is supplied.
　なお、上記した穴１８ｅからトナーを補給する場合と同様に、トナーの補給前に清掃やトナーシールによる封止を行ってもよい。 Note that, similarly to the case where the toner is supplied from the hole 18e described above, cleaning or sealing with a toner seal may be performed before the toner supply.
　その後、穴１８ｅを上記と同様にして塞いだ歯車部１８ｐ、又は、底部１８ｕに穴が開いていない新たな歯車部１８ｐを再び差し込み、さらに上記と同様に端部板１２１ａを図２１（ａ）、又は図２１（ｂ）に示したように再装着する。これによりトナーの補給が完了し、リサイクルのトナーカートリッジの製造がおこなわれる。 Thereafter, the gear portion 18p in which the hole 18e is closed in the same manner as described above, or a new gear portion 18p in which no hole is formed in the bottom portion 18u is inserted again, and the end plate 121a is further inserted in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. Or reattach as shown in FIG. Thus, the toner supply is completed, and a recycled toner cartridge is manufactured.
　以上のような態様によれば、リサイクル前においてトナーを補給するための開口が設けられていないトナーカートリッジであっても適切にトナーの補給が可能となる。 According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to appropriately supply the toner even if the toner cartridge is not provided with an opening for supplying the toner before recycling.
　以上説明した形態では、アジテーターの回転軸を用いてトナーを補給する例を説明したが、トナーを補給するために用いる部材はこれに限定されることはない。すなわち、トナーカートリッジに備えられるアジテーターの回転軸とは異なる他の機構を駆動する歯車部に穴を開け、該穴を通じてトナー収納部へトナーを補給するものであってもよい。又は、トナーカートリッジに備えられるアジテーターの回転軸とは異なる他の機構を駆動する歯車部を取り外し、当該取り外した部位からトナーを補給する態様であってもよい。 In the embodiment described above, an example in which toner is replenished using the rotating shaft of the agitator has been described, but the member used for replenishing toner is not limited to this. That is, a hole may be formed in a gear portion that drives another mechanism different from the rotating shaft of the agitator provided in the toner cartridge, and toner may be supplied to the toner storage portion through the hole. Alternatively, a mode in which a gear portion that drives another mechanism different from the rotation shaft of the agitator provided in the toner cartridge is removed, and the toner is replenished from the removed portion.
　次にトナーカートリッジ１０において、トナー収納部２０の中のトナーを使い切ったときに、トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法、リサイクルトナーカートリッジの製造方法、及びトナーカートリッジの再生方法の他の形態について説明する。 Next, in the toner cartridge 10, when the toner in the toner storage unit 20 is used up, another method for supplying toner to the toner cartridge, a method for manufacturing a recycled toner cartridge, and another method for regenerating the toner cartridge will be described. .
　図２５は、カートリッジ再生前のトナーカートリッジ１０の姿を示す。図２５は、図１のトナーカートリッジ１０の上下、左右を逆にした状態を示しており、構成は図１のものと同等である。図２６は、図２５の状態から、感光体ドラム１１、帯電ローラ１２、クリーニングブレード１３を含む第二の筐体２２、現像ブレード（不図示）を取外した後の状態を示す。図２７は、図２６の状態から、現像ローラ１５とトナー供給ローラ１６を取り除いた状態を示す。 FIG. 25 shows the toner cartridge 10 before cartridge regeneration. FIG. 25 shows a state in which the toner cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 is turned upside down and left and right, and the configuration is the same as that of FIG. FIG. 26 shows a state after the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, the second casing 22 including the cleaning blade 13, and the developing blade (not shown) are removed from the state of FIG. FIG. 27 shows a state in which the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are removed from the state of FIG.
　図２８は、図２６から図２７に至る過程におけるトナー供給ローラ１６の外し方の手順を示す。図２８（ａ）は、トナー供給ローラ１６が第一の筐体２１に取り付けられている状態を示す。トナー供給ローラ１６は、第一の筐体２１に直接取り付けられるトナー供給ローラ軸１６ａと、トナー供給ローラ軸１６ａの周りに接着されたトナー供給ローラスポンジ部材１６ｂとを備えている。この状態から、トナー供給ローラ１６を取り除く作業において、作業者は、トナー供給ローラ１６の両端の軸受けを第一の筐体２１から分離せず、図２８（ｂ）に示すようにトナー供給ローラ１６を軸方向に片方の軸受に押し付ける。これにより、トナー供給ローラスポンジ部材１６ｂの圧縮部１６ｃが形成されつつ、トナー供給ローラ軸１６ａと、トナー供給ローラスポンジ部材１６ｂの間の接着を部分的に剥がす。そして、トナー供給ローラ軸１６ａの押し付けた反対側の端部が第一の筐体２１の内側になる位置まで移動する。そして、図２８（ｃ）に示すように、トナー供給ローラ１６を第一の筐体２１から抜き出すことで、現像機構の精度を狂わすことなく、かつ最終的に再生カートリッジの出来栄えもきれいなものとなり、優れた再生作業が可能となる。尚、トナー供給ローラ１６に隣接した現像ローラ１５も軸方向の片側に寄せて容易に取外すことが可能である。 FIG. 28 shows a procedure for removing the toner supply roller 16 in the process from FIG. 26 to FIG. FIG. 28A shows a state where the toner supply roller 16 is attached to the first housing 21. The toner supply roller 16 includes a toner supply roller shaft 16a directly attached to the first housing 21 and a toner supply roller sponge member 16b bonded around the toner supply roller shaft 16a. In the operation of removing the toner supply roller 16 from this state, the operator does not separate the bearings at both ends of the toner supply roller 16 from the first housing 21, and the toner supply roller 16 as shown in FIG. Press against one of the bearings in the axial direction. As a result, the adhesive portion between the toner supply roller shaft 16a and the toner supply roller sponge member 16b is partially peeled off while the compression portion 16c of the toner supply roller sponge member 16b is formed. Then, the toner supply roller shaft 16a moves to a position where the opposite end of the toner supply roller shaft 16a is located inside the first casing 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 28 (c), by pulling out the toner supply roller 16 from the first casing 21, the accuracy of the developing mechanism is not distorted, and finally the quality of the reproduction cartridge becomes clean, Excellent regeneration work becomes possible. The developing roller 15 adjacent to the toner supply roller 16 can also be easily removed by moving toward one side in the axial direction.
　図２９は、図２７の右上から見た第一の筐体２１（第一の筐体２１の一部は省略されている）の斜視図を示し、図２に示した開口部２０ａの構造が表れている。すなわち、開口部２０ａは１つの大きな開口から形成されているのはなく、小さな開口２０ｂが複数（本例では４つ）配列して形成されている。従って、開口部２０ａでは開口２０ｂの間にしきり２０ｃが設けられている。 29 shows a perspective view of the first casing 21 (a part of the first casing 21 is omitted) viewed from the upper right of FIG. 27, and the structure of the opening 20a shown in FIG. Appears. That is, the opening 20a is not formed from one large opening, but a plurality (four in this example) of small openings 20b are arranged. Therefore, the opening 20a is provided with a threshold 20c between the openings 20b.
　そして、本形態では、図３０に示すように、開口部２０ａにフォルム状のシール部材１２６を接着することにしている。接着方法としては、ホットメルトや両面テープなどがあるが特に限定はされない。そして、後述するように、貼り付けたシール部材１２６の一方の端部を折り曲げて、第一の筐体２１の外部にシール部材１２６の端部を出しておく。最終的には、作業者がシール部材１２６の端部を引っ張ることにより、シール部材１２６を取り除き、開口部２０ａの封鎖を解放することができる。シール部材１２６は、例えば図３１に示すように、細長い長尺状のものを用いることができる。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, a form-like seal member 126 is bonded to the opening 20a. Examples of the bonding method include hot melt and double-sided tape, but are not particularly limited. Then, as will be described later, one end portion of the pasted seal member 126 is bent, and the end portion of the seal member 126 is brought out of the first casing 21. Eventually, the operator can remove the seal member 126 by pulling the end portion of the seal member 126 and release the block of the opening 20a. As the seal member 126, for example, as shown in FIG. 31, a long and narrow one can be used.
　図３２は、図３０、図３１の様にシール部材１２６を貼付した後、新しいトナーＴを第一の筐体２１のトナー収納部２０に補給した状態を示す。この補給は、例えば第一の筐体２１の一部に穴を開け、そこからトナーＴを充填することにより可能である。また、シール部材１２６を貼付する前に（図２７、図２９の状態）、開口部２０ａからトナーＴを充填し、その後シール部材１２６を接着しても良い。 FIG. 32 shows a state in which new toner T is supplied to the toner storage portion 20 of the first casing 21 after the seal member 126 is pasted as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. This replenishment is possible, for example, by making a hole in a part of the first housing 21 and filling the toner T there from. Further, the toner T may be filled from the opening 20a before the seal member 126 is attached (the state shown in FIGS. 27 and 29), and then the seal member 126 may be bonded.
　また、図１３～図２４で説明した、アジテーター１７の回転軸１８の如きトナーカートリッジ１０の少なくとも一部の機構を駆動する歯車部１８ｐに穴を開け、穴を通じてトナー収納部２０へトナーを補給してもよい。また、回転軸１８の如きトナーカートリッジ１０の少なくとも一部の機構を駆動する歯車部１８ｐを取り外し、取外した部位（穴）からトナー収納部２０へトナーを補給してもよい。このような方法は外部から見える領域において、第一の筐体２１に傷を形成することがないため、きれいな仕上がりとなる。なお、トナーを充填してからシール部材を貼る方法においては、シール部材の接着部にトナーが付いてしまうと接着力が落ちたり、完全に密封できなかったりするため、作業に注意を要する。 13 to 24, a hole is formed in the gear portion 18p that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge 10 such as the rotating shaft 18 of the agitator 17, and toner is supplied to the toner storage portion 20 through the hole. May be. Alternatively, the gear portion 18p that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge 10 such as the rotating shaft 18 may be removed, and toner may be supplied to the toner storage portion 20 from the removed portion (hole). Since such a method does not form scratches on the first housing 21 in the region that is visible from the outside, a beautiful finish is obtained. It should be noted that in the method of sticking the seal member after filling the toner, if the toner adheres to the adhesive portion of the seal member, the adhesive force may be reduced or the seal member may not be completely sealed.
　図３３は、図３２でトナーＴを補給した後、現像ローラ１５とトナー供給ローラ１６を第一の筐体２１に取り付けた状態を示す。現像ローラ１５、トナー供給ローラ１６、現像ブレード（不図示）は、取り外したものを再度使用してもよいし、新品と交換してもよい。 FIG. 33 shows a state where the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16 are attached to the first casing 21 after the toner T is replenished in FIG. The removed developing roller 15, toner supply roller 16, and developing blade (not shown) may be used again, or may be replaced with new ones.
　図３４に示すように、シール部材１２６の端部が、現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１の隙間から外部に露出している。シール部材１２６を剥がす際は、作業者がこの端部を引きぬく。本形態では、シール部材１２６を現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１の隙間から左下方向へ引き抜いていくことになる。すなわち、上で述べた一連の作業は、現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１との隙間を介して外部に露出したシール部材１２６の端部を引き抜き、シール部材１２６を取り除くことにより、トナーカートリッジ１０を使用可能な状態にする、トナーカートリッジ再生方法である。 34, the end portion of the seal member 126 is exposed to the outside through the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21. When the seal member 126 is peeled off, the operator pulls out this end portion. In this embodiment, the seal member 126 is pulled out from the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21 in the lower left direction. That is, the series of operations described above is performed by pulling out the end portion of the seal member 126 exposed to the outside through the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first casing 21 and removing the seal member 126, so that the toner cartridge is removed. 10 is a toner cartridge recycling method for setting 10 to a usable state.
　図３５は、シール部材１２６の端部をテープなどの固定部材１３０で第一の筐体２１に固定した状態を示す。このように固定することにより、シール部材１２６が現像ローラ１５等の回転で巻き込まれるのを防止することができる。さらに、開口部２０ａを閉鎖した後、現像ローラ１５とトナー供給ローラ１６を含む現像機構部に、試し印刷用の少量のトナーＴを補給する。補給する方法は特に限定されないが、現像ローラ１５上にトナーＴをまぶし、現像ローラ１５を回転させて、第一の筐体２１の内部へ送りこむ作業を繰り返し、必要量を現像機構部へ入れる。シール部材１２６の端部が固定部材１３０で固定されているため、シール部材１２６の巻き込みが防止される。 FIG. 35 shows a state where the end of the seal member 126 is fixed to the first casing 21 with a fixing member 130 such as a tape. By fixing in this way, it is possible to prevent the seal member 126 from being caught by the rotation of the developing roller 15 or the like. Further, after the opening 20 a is closed, a small amount of toner T for test printing is supplied to the developing mechanism including the developing roller 15 and the toner supply roller 16. Although the method of replenishing is not particularly limited, the operation of coating the toner T on the developing roller 15, rotating the developing roller 15, and feeding the toner into the first housing 21 is repeated, and the necessary amount is put into the developing mechanism unit. Since the end portion of the seal member 126 is fixed by the fixing member 130, the seal member 126 is prevented from being caught.
　図３６は、図３５の状態から、感光体ドラム１１、帯電ローラ１２、クリーニングブレード１３を含む第二の筐体２２を取り付けた状態を示す。こうして完成したトナーカートリッジ１０をプリンターにセットし、試しプリントを実施して不具合がないかを調べる。 FIG. 36 shows a state in which the second housing 22 including the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 13 is attached from the state of FIG. The completed toner cartridge 10 is set in the printer, and trial printing is performed to check whether there is any problem.
　図３７は、シール部材１２６の端部の固定部材１３０による固定を外し、代わりに持ち手１２６ａを付けた状態を示す。持ち手１２６ａを一種の障害物として機能させ、トナーカートリッジ１０をプリンターの正規の位置にセットできないようにしておくと、シール部材１２６の抜き忘れ防止に役立てることができる。すなわち、シール部材１２６を持ち手１２６ａと共に引き抜かない場合、持ち手１２６ａが障害となり、トナーカートリッジ１０をプリンターの正しい位置にセットできない構造になっている。 FIG. 37 shows a state in which the end of the seal member 126 is fixed by the fixing member 130 and a handle 126a is attached instead. If the handle 126a is made to function as a kind of obstacle so that the toner cartridge 10 cannot be set at the proper position of the printer, it can be used to prevent forgetting to remove the seal member 126. That is, when the seal member 126 is not pulled out together with the handle 126a, the handle 126a becomes an obstacle, and the toner cartridge 10 cannot be set at the correct position of the printer.
　図３８は、シール部材の他の形態を示している。図３１の細長い長尺状の形態とは異なり、図３８のシール部材１２７は平板上の形態を有する。図３９は、図３８のシール部材１２７を貼付した後、シール部材１２７が、現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１の隙間の幅方向ほぼ全域から外部に露出している状態を示す。シール部材１２７を剥がす際は、作業者がこの端部を引きぬく。本形態では、シール部材１２７を現像ローラ１５と第一の筐体２１の隙間から真っ直ぐ引き抜いていくことになる。 FIG. 38 shows another form of the seal member. Unlike the elongated and long shape of FIG. 31, the seal member 127 of FIG. 38 has a flat plate shape. FIG. 39 shows a state where the seal member 127 is exposed to the outside from almost the entire width direction of the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first casing 21 after the seal member 127 of FIG. 38 is pasted. When the seal member 127 is peeled off, the operator pulls out this end portion. In this embodiment, the seal member 127 is pulled straight out from the gap between the developing roller 15 and the first housing 21.
　本出願は、２０１５年６月１６日出願の米国特許仮出願６２／１８０，３３３、２０１５年６月１９日出願の米国特許仮出願６２／１８２，０１０、２０１６年３月１４日出願の日本特許出願、特願２０１６－０５０２５４、２０１６年５月２５日出願の日本特許出願、特願２０１６－１０４０５０に基づくものであり、その内容はここに参照として取り込まれる。 This application is based on US patent provisional application 62 / 180,333 filed on June 16, 2015, US provisional application 62 / 182,010 filed on June 19, 2015, and Japanese patent filed on March 14, 2016. The application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-050254, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-104050 filed on May 25, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
　　１０　トナーカートリッジ
　　１１　感光体ドラム
　　１２　帯電ローラ
　　１３　クリーニングブレード
　　１４　リカバリーブレード
　　１５　現像ローラ
　　１６　トナー供給ローラ
　　１７　アジテーター
　　１８　回転軸
　　１９　現像ブレード
　　２０　トナー収納部
　　２０ａ　開口部
　　２０ｂ　開口
　　２０ｃ　仕切り
　　２１　第一の筐体（筐体）
　　２１ａ　穴
　　２２　第二の筐体（筐体）
　　２５　シール部材
　　１１０　リサイクルのトナーカートリッジ
　　１２１　フタ
　　１２５　シール部材 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toner cartridge 11 Photosensitive drum 12 Charging roller 13 Cleaning blade 14 Recovery blade 15 Developing roller 16 Toner supply roller 17 Agitator 18 Rotating shaft 19 Developing blade 20 Toner storage portion 20a Opening portion 20b Opening 20c Partition 21 First housing (housing) body)
21a hole 22 second housing (housing)
25 Seal member 110 Recycled toner cartridge 121 Cover 125 Seal member

Claims (14)

  1. 　トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法であって、
    　トナーを収納する部位であるトナー収納部及びトナーを排出するための開口部を具備する筐体と、前記筐体に備えられた現像ローラと、を有するトナーカートリッジの前記現像ローラと前記筐体との隙間にシール部材を配置する過程と、
    　前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖する過程と、を含む、
    　トナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法。     A method for supplying toner to a toner cartridge, comprising:
    The developing roller and the housing of a toner cartridge, comprising: a toner housing portion that is a portion for storing toner; a housing having an opening for discharging the toner; and a developing roller provided in the housing. A process of disposing a seal member in the gap,
    Closing the opening with the seal member,
    A method of supplying toner to a toner cartridge.
  2. 　前記筐体に穴を開ける過程、前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖する過程、及び前記穴からリサイクル用のトナーを補給する過程、を含む請求項１に記載のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法。 The method for replenishing toner cartridges according to claim 1, comprising a step of opening a hole in the casing, a step of closing the opening by the seal member, and a step of replenishing toner for recycling from the hole. .
  3. 　前記開口部からリサイクル用のトナーを補給してから、前記開口部を閉鎖する、請求項１に記載のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法。 The method of replenishing toner in the toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner for recycling is replenished from the opening and then the opening is closed.
  4. 　前記シール部材のうち、前記筐体の外部に突出している部位を前記筐体に固定する過程を含む請求項１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法。 4. The method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a step of fixing a portion of the seal member that protrudes outside the housing to the housing.
  5. 　請求項１乃至４のいずれかに１項に記載のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法を含む、リサイクルによるトナーカートリッジの製造方法。 A method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling, including a method of supplying toner to the toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
  6. 　請求項２に記載のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法を含み、前記穴にフタを固定して塞ぐ工程を含む、リサイクルによるトナーカートリッジの製造方法。 A method of manufacturing a toner cartridge by recycling, comprising a method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge according to claim 2 and including a step of fixing and closing a lid in the hole.
  7. 　リサイクルされたトナーカートリッジであって、
    　その内側にトナーを収納する部位であるトナー収納部を具備する筐体と、
    　前記筐体に備えられた現像ローラ及びトナー供給ローラと、を有し、
    　前記現像ローラと前記筐体との間、及び前記トナー供給ローラと前記筐体との間に挟まれ、前記トナー収納部に設けられた開口を塞ぐシール部材が配置された、リサイクルトナーカートリッジ。     A recycled toner cartridge,
    A housing having a toner storage portion which is a portion for storing toner therein;
    A developing roller and a toner supply roller provided in the housing,
    A recycled toner cartridge in which a seal member is disposed between the developing roller and the casing, and between the toner supply roller and the casing, and a sealing member that closes an opening provided in the toner storage portion.
  8. 　請求項１に記載のトナーカートリッジにトナーを補給する方法により、前記トナー収納部にトナーを補給した後、前記現像ローラと前記筐体との隙間を介して外部に露出した前記シール部材の端部を引き抜き、当該シール部材を取り除くことにより、トナーカートリッジを使用可能な状態にする、トナーカートリッジの再生方法。 The end portion of the seal member exposed to the outside through a gap between the developing roller and the casing after the toner is replenished to the toner storage portion by the method of replenishing toner to the toner cartridge according to claim 1. The toner cartridge is reclaimed and the seal member is removed to make the toner cartridge usable.
  9. 　前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖した後、前記トナーカートリッジの少なくとも一部の機構を駆動する歯車部に穴を開け、該穴を通じて前記トナー収納部へトナーを補給する過程を含む、請求項８に記載のトナーカートリッジの再生方法。 9. The method of forming a hole in a gear portion that drives at least a part of the mechanism of the toner cartridge after the opening portion is closed by the seal member, and supplying toner to the toner storage portion through the hole. A method for regenerating the toner cartridge described in 1.
  10. 　前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖した後、前記トナーカートリッジの少なくとも一部の機構を駆動する歯車部を取り外し、当該取り外した部位から前記トナー収納部へトナーを補給する過程を含む、請求項８に記載のトナーカートリッジの再生方法。 9. The method of removing a gear portion that drives at least a part of a mechanism of the toner cartridge after the opening portion is closed by the seal member, and replenishing toner from the removed portion to the toner storage portion. A method for regenerating the toner cartridge described in 1.
  11. 　前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖した後、前記現像ローラに少量の試験用トナーを補給し、前記現像ローラの回転により前記シール部材が巻き込まれないように、外部に露出した前記シール部材の端部を固定し、試し印刷を実施する請求項８から１０のいずれか１項に記載のトナーカートリッジの再生方法。 After the opening is closed by the seal member, a small amount of test toner is supplied to the developing roller, and the end of the seal member exposed to the outside is prevented so that the seal member is not caught by rotation of the developing roller. The method for regenerating a toner cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the part is fixed and test printing is performed.
  12. 　前記シール部材の端部に持ち手を付け、当該シール部材を持ち手と共に引き抜かない場合、持ち手が障害となり、プリンターの正しい位置にセットできない請求項８から１１のいずれか１項に記載のトナーカートリッジの再生方法。 12. The toner according to claim 8, wherein a handle is attached to an end portion of the seal member and the seal member is not pulled out together with the handle, the handle becomes an obstacle and cannot be set at a correct position of the printer. Cartridge regeneration method.
  13. 　トナー供給ローラを再生作業中に一旦取り除く際、前記トナー供給ローラの両端の軸受けを前記筐体から分離せず、前記トナー供給ローラを軸方向に軸受に押し付け、前記トナー供給ローラの軸とトナー供給ローラスポンジ部材の間の接着を部分的に剥がし、押し付けた反対側の端部がその軸受の筐体の内側になる位置まで移動し軸受から抜き出し、前記トナー供給ローラを前記筐体から取り除く請求項８から１２のいずれか１項にトナーカートリッジの再生方法。 When the toner supply roller is once removed during the regenerating operation, the bearings at both ends of the toner supply roller are not separated from the housing, and the toner supply roller is pressed against the bearing in the axial direction so that the shaft of the toner supply roller and the toner supply The adhesive between the roller sponge members is partially peeled off, moved to a position where the opposite end of the pressing is located inside the housing of the bearing, extracted from the bearing, and the toner supply roller is removed from the housing. 8. A toner cartridge recycling method according to any one of items 8 to 12.
  14. 　トナーカートリッジのトナー収納部を封止する方法であって、
    　トナーを収納する部位であるトナー収納部及びトナーを排出するための開口部を具備する筐体と、前記筐体に備えられた現像ローラと、を有するトナーカートリッジの前記現像ローラと前記筐体との隙間にシール部材を配置する過程と、
    　前記シール部材により前記開口部を閉鎖する過程と、を含む、
    　トナーカートリッジのトナー収納部を封止する方法。     A method of sealing a toner storage portion of a toner cartridge,
    The developing roller and the housing of a toner cartridge, comprising: a toner housing portion that is a portion for storing toner; a housing having an opening for discharging the toner; and a developing roller provided in the housing. A process of disposing a seal member in the gap,
    Closing the opening with the seal member,
    A method for sealing a toner storage portion of a toner cartridge.
PCT/JP2016/067851 2015-06-16 2016-06-15 Toner replenishment method, toner cartridge production method, recycled toner cartridge, and toner cartridge recycling method WO2016204196A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562180333P 2015-06-16 2015-06-16
US62/180,333 2015-06-16
US201562182010P 2015-06-19 2015-06-19
US62/182,010 2015-06-19
JP2016050254A JP2018146598A (en) 2015-06-19 2016-03-14 Toner supply method, method for manufacturing toner cartridge, and recycled toner cartridge
JP2016-050254 2016-03-14
JP2016-104050 2016-05-25
JP2016104050A JP2018146599A (en) 2015-06-16 2016-05-25 Toner supply method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016204196A1 true WO2016204196A1 (en) 2016-12-22

Family

ID=57544920

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2016/067851 WO2016204196A1 (en) 2015-06-16 2016-06-15 Toner replenishment method, toner cartridge production method, recycled toner cartridge, and toner cartridge recycling method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016204196A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002268514A (en) * 2001-03-09 2002-09-20 Canon Inc Recycling method for process cartridge
JP2006162946A (en) * 2004-12-07 2006-06-22 Canon Inc Method for reproducing developing cartridge and method for reproducing process cartridge
JP2006343619A (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-21 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developer filling method, developer filling device and method for manufacturing developing device
JP2011095521A (en) * 2009-10-30 2011-05-12 Canon Inc Developing cartridge and process cartridge
JP2014062993A (en) * 2012-09-20 2014-04-10 Canon Inc Developer storage unit, developing device, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002268514A (en) * 2001-03-09 2002-09-20 Canon Inc Recycling method for process cartridge
JP2006162946A (en) * 2004-12-07 2006-06-22 Canon Inc Method for reproducing developing cartridge and method for reproducing process cartridge
JP2006343619A (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-21 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developer filling method, developer filling device and method for manufacturing developing device
JP2011095521A (en) * 2009-10-30 2011-05-12 Canon Inc Developing cartridge and process cartridge
JP2014062993A (en) * 2012-09-20 2014-04-10 Canon Inc Developer storage unit, developing device, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming device

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5975823B2 (en) Cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP5110866B2 (en) Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
TWI467351B (en) Developer accommodating container, developer accommodating unit, process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus
US9835980B2 (en) Toner cartridge container and seal
EP2786210A1 (en) Developer accommodating container, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
EP2610685B1 (en) Developer storage container, image forming unit and image forming apparatus
JP2009042717A (en) Toner cartridge, method of making toner cartridge reusable, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
WO2016204196A1 (en) Toner replenishment method, toner cartridge production method, recycled toner cartridge, and toner cartridge recycling method
JP2008090106A (en) Image forming apparatus, image forming unit, manufacturing method of the image forming unit, and reproducing method of the image forming unit
WO2016204245A1 (en) Toner supply method, method for manufacturing toner cartridge, and toner cartridge
WO2017002856A1 (en) Toner replenishment method, toner cartridge production method, and toner cartridge
JP2018054749A (en) Toner cartridge, test printing method, image formation apparatus, and method for recycling toner cartridge
WO2016204242A1 (en) Toner supply method, method for manufacturing toner cartridge, and toner cartridge
JP2003098815A (en) Toner container
JP5802800B2 (en) Toner storage container and image forming apparatus
WO2017002839A1 (en) Method for sealing recycled toner storage container, toner supply method, method for manufacturing toner cartridge, and toner cartridge
JP5016796B2 (en) Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
JP3227426B2 (en) How to repair a toner cartridge
JP2018136358A (en) Toner supply method, method for manufacturing toner cartridge, and toner cartridge
WO2016204199A1 (en) Toner replenishment method and toner cartridge production method
JP2017102358A (en) Cartridge and method of reproducing cartridge
JP2018146599A (en) Toner supply method
WO2017002695A1 (en) Toner supply method and toner cartridge production method
JP2022139159A (en) Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP4847834B2 (en) Developing unit and image forming apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16811670

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 16811670

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP