JP2004094071A - Developer supply container - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to prevent a developer from being scattered from an opening of a developer replenishing container with a low-cost and simple structure, and to open the developer replenishing container when the developer replenishing container is mounted on an image forming apparatus main body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container capable of reliably and easily opening and closing a section.
A developer accommodating portion is formed of a bag, and an opening sealing portion for sealing a discharge port for discharging the developer from the developer accommodating portion is separated from the developer accommodating portion. And is configured not to contact with the developer while the developer is stored in the developer storage section 2.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a developer supply container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus main body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, fine powder toner as a developer has been used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers. When toner in the image forming apparatus main body is consumed, toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body using a toner supply container.
[0003]
Here, since the toner is an extremely fine powder, a method of replenishing the toner by setting the toner replenishing container inside the main body of the image forming apparatus so that the toner is not scattered during the toner replenishing operation is known.
[0004]
As an example, a method in which a bag-shaped container excellent in cost performance is placed inside the image forming apparatus main body, the bag is cut off to supply toner, and after the replenishment is completed, the bag is wound up and collected in the container ( For example, there is a system in which a bag-shaped container is wound in a direction opposite to each other with a pair of rotating shafts to supply toner (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-15958 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 52-107152
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in these methods, when the container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the surface of the container in contact with the toner is exposed to the outside.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a developer from being scattered from an opening of a developer replenishing container with a low cost and a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container that can reliably and easily open and close an opening of the developer supply container when the developer supply container is mounted on a main body.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The developer supply container according to the present invention for achieving the object is a developer supply container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and a developer accommodating portion configured by a bag body that accommodates the developer. An opening for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating section, and opening the developer accommodating section to supply the developer from the opening to the image forming apparatus main body, and then sealing the opening. And an opening sealing portion configured as described above, wherein the opening sealing portion is formed separately from the developer accommodating portion, and while the developer is accommodated in the developer accommodating portion, It is characterized in that it is configured not to come into contact with the developer.
[0009]
Since the present invention is configured as described above, after supplying the developer to the image forming apparatus main body from the opening of the developer supply container, the opening is sealed with the opening sealing portion to which the developer is not attached. Therefore, when the developer supply container is replaced, the developer and the like do not stain the hands and clothes and the peripheral devices.
[0010]
Further, the developer supply container has winding means for opening and winding the developer accommodating section, and the winding means opens the developer accommodating section, and thereafter, when the winding is completed. If the opening sealing portion seals the opening, the developer accommodating portion can be efficiently opened in a small space.
[0011]
Further, the opening sealing portion has a length in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis direction of the winding means when the opening is sealed, and a length in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the winding means of the opening means. If set to be longer than the length, or the length in the direction parallel to the rotation axis direction of the winding means when the opening is sealed, the rotation axis direction of the winding means of the opening When the length is set to be longer than the length in the parallel direction, after the developer accommodating portion is wound up, the opening can be reliably sealed with the opening sealing portion to which the developer is not attached.
[0012]
Further, when the developer supply container has the two winding units, the operation of winding the developer accommodating portion can be efficiently performed in a shorter time.
[0013]
Further, the winding means are disposed at positions on both sides of the opening, and when each rotates in a direction in which the developer storing section is wound, the developer storing section is deformed toward the opening. Since the two winding units rotate to send the developer, the developer can be efficiently discharged.
[0014]
Further, when the driving means transmits the driving force from the image forming apparatus main body and rotates, the winding means automatically takes up the developer accommodating portion after the developer supply container is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. Is performed, there is no need for the user to open the developer accommodating section by himself, and the user can perform simple replenishment without soiling the hands.
[0015]
Further, when the winding means rotates idly with respect to the developer accommodating portion when a predetermined torque load is applied, the amount of the developer in the image forming apparatus main body is detected and the drive rotation is automatically stopped. In such a case, even if the drive is applied in a state where the developer accommodating portion is completely wound, it is possible to prevent an excessive torque from being generated and damaging the winding means and the driving source.
[0016]
In the case where the developer supply container has a wiping member for wiping the developer attached to the developer storage unit before the developer storage unit is wound up by the winding unit, The member is rubbed against the developer accommodating portion to wipe off the developer, thereby preventing the developer from being caught in the developer accommodating portion. Also, by supplying the wiped developer to the image forming apparatus main body, the developer in the developer accommodating portion is removed. Can be discharged without waste.
[0017]
Further, in a case where the wiping member is an elastic body and its thickness in a natural state is set to be larger than a separation distance between the winding means and the opening, the developer accommodating portion is provided. The developer adhering to the surface can be wiped more cleanly.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the developer supply container according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are a cross-sectional front view and a cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of a developer supply container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the developer supply container of the first embodiment mounted on an image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view showing a state immediately after the operation.
[0019]
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional front view showing the state immediately after the start of the developer supply operation in the developer supply container of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is the developer supply container of the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional front view showing a terminal state of the operation, FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional front view showing a state when the developer supply operation is completed in the developer supply container of the first embodiment, and FIG. It is an arrow A view.
[0020]
First, the configuration of a first embodiment of a developer supply container according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The developer supply container according to the present invention is configured to be detachable from, for example, the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0021]
Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED (light emitting diode) printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.
[0022]
1 to 5, a developer supply container according to the present invention includes a container main body 1 having a developer accommodating portion 2 formed of a bag for accommodating a toner T serving as a developer, and a toner T from the container main body 1. And a container frame 4 provided with a discharge port 4a serving as an opening for discharging the container.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the container main body 1 includes a developer accommodating section 2 for accommodating the toner T partitioned by the side ends 1a and 1b and the transverse sections 1c and 1d, a side end 1a, 1b, and a transverse section 1d. And an opening seal for sealing the container 4 after opening the container body 1 and supplying the toner T to the image forming apparatus body (not shown) from the outlet 4a (after replenishment is completed). And a part 3.
[0024]
The opening sealing portion 3 is formed separately from the developer accommodating portion 2, and is configured not to contact the toner T while the toner T is accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 2.
[0025]
When the container body 1 is made of a film-shaped material, the container body 1 is deformed even if it receives an impact such as a fall during distribution, thereby reducing the impact. It is more advantageous for logistics compared to.
[0026]
As a specific material of the film constituting the container body 1, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene is preferable. However, paper, aluminum foil and the like can be used if they are in the form of a film.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the container frame 4 is preferably as small as possible in order to reduce the size and cost of the developer supply container. The container frame 4 is provided with a discharge port 4a for supplying the toner T into the image forming apparatus main body (not shown), and two winding means for opening and winding up the film constituting the container main body 1 are provided. The winding members 4b are arranged at positions on both sides of the discharge port 4a.
[0028]
When the developer supply container is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body, a rotational driving force is transmitted to the winding member 4b by a driving source provided in the image forming apparatus main body. 1 is configured to rotate in the direction of winding the film.
[0029]
A wiping member 4c for wiping off the toner T attached to the container body 1 before the film constituting the container body 1 is wound around the winding member 4b is provided near the discharge port 4a.
[0030]
The wiping member 4c is formed of an elastic body so that the film always rubs against the wiping member 4c while the film constituting the container body 1 is being wound by the winding member 4b. The thickness is configured to be larger than the separation distance between the discharge port 4a and the winding member 4b.
[0031]
Examples of the material of the wiping member 4c include foam such as low-foam polyurethane, rubber such as silicone and urethane, thermoplastic elastomer such as polystyrene, polyolefin, polyurethane, polyester, and polyamide, or sponge. .
[0032]
Next, a method of assembling the developer supply container according to the present embodiment will be described. First, as a method of assembling the container body 1, first, a strip-shaped film having a predetermined width is folded and overlapped, and the side end portions 1a and 1b and the transverse portion 1d are sealed to form the developer accommodating portion 2.
[0033]
After storing the toner T in the developer storage section 2, the transverse section 1c is sealed to seal the toner T. The side ends 1a, 1b and the cross sections 1c, 1d need to be sealed to such an extent that the toner T does not leak outside. Therefore, it is preferable that the side ends 1a and 1b be sealed by heat treatment or an adhesive. However, on the other hand, it is necessary that the structure be easily peeled off by a force as small as possible.
[0034]
In the present embodiment, the container body 1 is composed of one film. However, after the two films are overlapped and the side ends 1a, 1b and the transverse parts 1c, 1d are adhered, two containers are used. The opening sealing portion 3 may be formed by joining both ends of the film.
[0035]
Further, in the present embodiment, both side ends of the opening sealing portion 3 are fixed by extension of the side ends 1a and 1b, but are not necessarily fixed.
[0036]
Next, the ends of the films constituting the container body 1 are fixed to the winding members 4b, respectively, and the winding members 4b are further rotatably mounted on the container frame 4, so that the container body 1 and the container frame 4 are integrated. Thus, a developer supply container is completed.
[0037]
Next, a replenishing operation of the developer replenishing container in the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the user replaces the developer supply container. FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 are views showing the state of the process of performing toner supply by mounting the developer supply container in the image forming apparatus main body in this embodiment.
[0038]
FIG. 1 shows a state immediately after a user mounts a new developer supply container in the image forming apparatus main body. At this time, the take-up member 4b is detachably connected to a drive transmission means for transmitting a rotational driving force from a drive source (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus main body.
[0039]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an initial state of toner supply. The winding member 4b is rotated by the rotational driving force transmitted from the driving source, and as a result, a force is exerted on the side ends 1a, 1b and the transverse portion 1c of the container body 1 to release the adhesive. Then, first, the adhesive of the crossing portion 1c is peeled off, and the developer accommodating portion 2 is opened by the winding member 4b serving as a winding means, and the toner T sealed in the developer accommodating portion 2 until then is removed. The discharge starts from the discharge port 4a.
[0040]
FIG. 4A shows a state in which the peeling of the side ends 1a and 1b of the container body 1 has further progressed. The container body 1 is contracted and deformed while being wound by the winding member 4b, and pushes out the toner T in the developer accommodating section 2 from the outlet 4a toward the image forming apparatus body.
[0041]
The rotation direction of the winding member 4b is preferably set to be opposite to each other in FIGS. 3 and 4 in order to wind the container body 1 evenly. In the present embodiment, the wiping member 4c rubs against the film constituting the container body 1 and wipes off the toner T by rotating in the direction of the arrow shown in FIGS. Since it is not involved, it is possible to prevent adverse effects such as an increase in torque.
[0042]
Also, most of the wiped toner T is supplied into the image forming apparatus main body from the discharge port 4a, so that the toner T in the developer accommodating section 2 can be supplied into the image forming apparatus main body without waste.
[0043]
The take-up member 4b is preferably rotated little by little in consideration of a discharge failure due to blocking (coagulation) of the toner T, an adhesive strength between the film and the take-up member 4b, and the like.
[0044]
Further, in the present embodiment, since the opening sealing portion 3 is provided at the center position equidistant from the axis of each of the pair of winding members 4b, the winding of the film of the container body 1 is performed in order to uniformly wind the film. The rotation speed of the member 4b needs to be the same, but if the position of the opening sealing portion 3 is shifted in one direction, the rotation speed of the winding member 4b does not necessarily have to be set to the same.
[0045]
FIG. 4B shows a state in which the peeling of the side ends 1 a and 1 b has been substantially completed, and FIG. 4C shows a state in which the adhesive of the transverse portion 1 d has been subsequently peeled off to form the developer accommodating section 2. The state in which the film is all wound around the winding member 4b. As shown in FIG. 4C, when the winding member 4b serving as the winding means finishes winding the film of the container body 1, the discharge port is opened in a state where the opening sealing portion 3 is extended by the winding member 4b. 4a is sealed.
[0046]
The developer accommodating portion 2 to which the toner T has adhered is entirely taken up by the winding member 4b, while only the opening sealing portion 3 to which the toner T has not adhered from the beginning appears on the outer surface. The user does not need to touch the toner T, and the inside of the image forming apparatus main body and its surroundings need not be stained with the toner T.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 5, the opening sealing portion 3 has a length in a direction parallel to the rotation axis direction (left and right direction in FIG. 5) of the winding member 4b when the opening sealing portion 3 seals the discharge port 4a. The length L1 'and the length L2' in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the winding member 4b are the length L1 in the direction parallel to the rotation axis direction of the winding member 4b of the discharge port 4a serving as an opening, and the winding length. The length is set to be longer than the length L2 of the member 4b in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction.
[0048]
Further, since the developer accommodating portion 2 is entirely wound around the winding member 4b, the container main body 1 is entirely housed inside the container frame 4 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when replacing with a new developer supply container, the developer can be easily detached from the inside of the image forming apparatus main body.
[0049]
By the way, the drive control of the drive source in the image forming apparatus main body that drives the winding member 4b automatically detects the amount of toner in the image forming apparatus main body, and automatically when the toner amount reaches a certain level. There is no problem if the drive rotation is stopped in the configuration, but if the drive source is linked to the rotation of the photosensitive drum or the developing sleeve in the image forming apparatus main body, the winding member 4b is moved every time the image forming operation is performed. 4C, a driving force is applied even when the film of the container body 1 is completely wound as shown in FIG. 4C, and as a result, an excessive rotation torque is generated and the drive is performed. There is a risk of damaging the source.
[0050]
In order not to fall into such a situation, by controlling the adhesive strength between the film constituting the container main body 1 and the winding member 4b, when a predetermined torque load is generated, the winding member 4b and the container main body 1 are connected to each other. What is necessary is just to comprise so that adhesion may peel and the winding member 4b may idle with respect to the container main body 1.
[0051]
Next, the configuration of a developer supply container according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a sectional side view showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the developer supply container according to the present invention. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0052]
The side end portions 1a and 1b and the transverse portions 1c and 1d of the container body 1 need to be easily peeled off by a force as small as possible. For example, as shown in FIG. The shape is more preferable because the tip portion is a trigger for peeling and is easily peeled. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.
[0053]
Next, the configuration of a developer supply container according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional front view showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the developer supply container according to the present invention. The same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the container frame 4 is configured to be capable of storing the entire container body 1. As a result, the developer accommodating portion 2 can be protected during transportation and the like, and can be stacked, which is convenient for transportation and storage.
[0055]
Next, the configuration of a developer supply container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a sectional front view showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the developer supply container according to the present invention. The same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, an example in which two winding members 4b are provided in order to efficiently wind the film of the container body 1 in a shorter time has been described, but in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. The winding member 4b and the wiping member 4c are integrated into one, and the end of the film of the container body 1 which is not fixed to the winding member 4b is fixed to the vicinity of the outlet 4a of the container frame 4, and further fixed. An opening sealing portion 3 is provided at a position.
[0057]
According to the present embodiment, while the same effect as in the case where two winding members 4b are provided can be obtained, the number of components of the drive transmission unit and the developer supply container can be reduced by one winding member 4b. The merit arises.
[0058]
However, when the end of the film not fixed to the winding member 4b and the container frame 4 are peeled off at the time of the peeling of the transverse portion 1d, which is the next stage of the developer supply operation of the developer supply container, the discharge port 4a is opened. Since sealing cannot be performed reliably, it is necessary to set the bonding strength between the end of the film of the container body 1 and the container frame 4 to be larger than the bonding strength of the transverse portion 1d.
[0059]
In each of the above embodiments, the winding member 4b to which the end of the film constituting the container body 1 is fixed is rotated to pull the film, the container body 1 is opened, and the toner T is discharged. For example, by moving a moving member fixing the end of the film constituting the container body 1 in a predetermined direction in the container frame 4, the container body 1 is contracted and deformed to supply the toner T. May be.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention has the above-described configuration and operation, after replenishing the developer, the developer is replaced when the developer replenishment container is replaced to seal the opening with an opening sealing portion to which the developer is not attached. Eliminates stains on hands and clothes, contamination of peripheral equipment, etc. due to the agent.
[0061]
Further, since the developer accommodating portion is formed of a bag, and there is no need to provide a separate member such as a sealing member at the opening, the number of components is reduced, and the developer supply container can be made simple and inexpensive.
[0062]
Further, since the developer storage section is entirely wound by the winding means, the developer supply container after the developer supply can be made compact, and the replacement of the developer supply container and subsequent processing can be easily performed.
[0063]
Further, since the developer supply container main body is formed of a bag body, even if it receives an impact such as a drop during distribution, the developer supply container main body is deformed, so that the impact can be reduced, and the developer during distribution can be reduced. The damage of the supply container can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional front view showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a developer supply container according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional side view showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a developer supply container according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional front view showing a state immediately after the developer supply container according to the first embodiment is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional front view showing a state immediately after a developer supply operation is started in the developer supply container of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a developer supply container of the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional front view showing a final state of the operation, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional front view showing a state at the time of completion of the developer supply operation in the developer supply container of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4 (c).
FIG. 6 is a sectional side view showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the developer supply container according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional front view showing a configuration of a third embodiment of a developer supply container according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a sectional front view showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of a developer supply container according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Container main body, 1a, 1b ... Side edge part, 1c, 1d ... Crossing part, 1e ... Folding part, 2 ... Developer storage part, 3 ... Opening sealing part, 4 ... Container frame, 4a ... Discharge port, 4b: Winding member, 4c: Wiping member, T: Toner

Claims (10)

A developer supply container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body,
A developer accommodating portion configured by a bag body for accommodating the developer,
An opening for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage unit,
An opening sealing portion configured to seal the opening after supplying the developer to the image forming apparatus main body from the opening by opening the developer accommodating portion;
Has,
The opening sealing portion is formed separately from the developer accommodating portion, and is configured not to come into contact with the developer while the developer is accommodated in the developer accommodating portion. Developer supply container. The developer supply container has winding means for opening and winding up the developer accommodating section, and when the winding means opens the developer accommodating section and then winds up, The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein an opening sealing portion is configured to seal the opening. The opening sealing portion has a length in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis direction of the winding unit when the opening is sealed, which is greater than a length in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the winding unit of the opening unit. 3. The developer supply container according to claim 2, wherein the developer supply container is set to be longer. The opening sealing portion has a length in the direction parallel to the rotation axis direction of the winding means when the opening is sealed, and the length of the opening in the direction parallel to the rotation axis direction of the winding means. 3. The developer supply container according to claim 2, wherein the developer supply container is set to be longer. The developer supply container according to claim 2, wherein the developer supply container has two of the winding units. The developer supply container according to claim 5, wherein the winding unit is disposed at a position on both sides of the opening, and each rotates in a direction in which the developer storage unit is wound. The developer supply container according to claim 2, wherein the winding unit is rotated by receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body. The developer supply container according to claim 2, wherein the winding unit idles with respect to the developer storage unit when a predetermined torque load is applied. 3. The developer supply container according to claim 2, further comprising: a wiping member for wiping a developer attached to the developer storage unit before the developer storage unit is wound by the winding unit. 3. The developer supply container according to item 1. The said wiping member is an elastic body, and the thickness of the natural state is set so that it may become larger than the space | interval of the said winding means and the said opening. Developer supply container.

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