JP3288219B2 - Developer supply container - Google Patents
Developer supply containerInfo
- Publication number
- JP3288219B2 JP3288219B2 JP05682196A JP5682196A JP3288219B2 JP 3288219 B2 JP3288219 B2 JP 3288219B2 JP 05682196 A JP05682196 A JP 05682196A JP 5682196 A JP5682196 A JP 5682196A JP 3288219 B2 JP3288219 B2 JP 3288219B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- container
- toner supply
- toner
- supply port
- flexible film
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
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- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、静電式複写機、プ
リンタ等の画像形成装置の現像装置に現像剤を供給する
ために用いられる現像剤補給容器に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developer supply container for supplying a developer to a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine or a printer.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来、静電式複写機、プリンタ等の画像
形成装置には粉末トナーが使用されているが、このトナ
ーの補給容器、即ち現像剤補給容器（以下、トナー補給
容器と称する）は一般に合成樹脂等で作られた円筒状も
しくは直方体等の容器本体と、容器本体から粉末トナー
を現像装置に補給するために開口している容器本体のト
ナー補給口を封止するシール部材とによって構成されて
いる。又、特に、このトナー補給容器に感光ドラム、ク
リーナー、帯電器等を一体化させたプロセスカートリッ
ジも提供されている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, powder toner is used in an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine or a printer. A toner supply container, that is, a developer supply container (hereinafter, referred to as a toner supply container) is used. Is generally a cylindrical or rectangular parallelepiped container body made of a synthetic resin or the like, and a sealing member for sealing a toner supply port of the container body that is opened for supplying powder toner from the container body to the developing device. It is configured. In particular, there is provided a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum, a cleaner, a charger, and the like are integrated with the toner supply container.
【０００３】この中で、従来のシール部材は、大半がイ
ージーピールタイプのフィルムであり、一般に、容器本
体のトナー補給口の周囲を接着剤、又は、ヒートシール
等の手段で貼着したフィルムの貼着部を引き剥して開封
する。しかしながら、この方式では、トナーを排出した
後に容器を密閉することができないため、容器内に残っ
たトナーが落下、飛散する場合があった。特に、丸筒容
器では、トナー補給後、容器を複写機等の本体から取外
し廃棄するまでのトナー飛散を防止するために、補給口
を再封する手段を設けているものがある。これは、いわ
ゆる二重丸筒と呼ばれているもので、２個の異なる筒を
夫々内筒、外筒とし、各々の補給口を合わせてトナー補
給した後、内筒の補給口を外筒によって封止する構成に
なっている。[0003] Among them, most of the conventional seal members are easy peel type films. Generally, the periphery of the toner supply port of the container body is formed of a film adhered by an adhesive or a heat seal. Peel off the sticking part and open. However, in this method, since the container cannot be sealed after the toner is discharged, the toner remaining in the container may fall or scatter. In particular, some cylindrical containers are provided with a means for resealing the replenishing port in order to prevent the toner from scattering after the toner is replenished until the container is removed from the main body of a copying machine or the like and discarded. This is what is called a double round cylinder. Two different cylinders are used as an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, respectively. Sealing.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】トナー補給後の補給口
を再封するために丸筒を二重にする二重丸筒方式におい
て、内筒、外筒間のシール性を維持するために、シール
材を用いる方式が一般的であるが、シール性を維持する
ために、内筒、外筒の単品部品の精度及び組立精度が非
常に厳しくなる傾向があった。又、このとき、シール性
向上のためにシール材の圧縮量を増加させると、開封時
に、内筒もしくは外筒を回すときの強度が大きくなり、
操作性を悪化させてしまう可能性があった。又、構造も
複雑になり、コスト的にもアップしてしまう可能性があ
った。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a double round cylinder system in which a round cylinder is doubled in order to reseal a supply port after toner supply, in order to maintain a sealing property between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, Although a method using a sealing material is generally used, in order to maintain the sealing property, the accuracy of the single-piece parts of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and the assembling precision tend to be extremely severe. Also, at this time, if the amount of compression of the sealing material is increased to improve the sealing property, the strength when turning the inner cylinder or the outer cylinder during opening increases,
There was a possibility that the operability was deteriorated. In addition, the structure becomes complicated, and there is a possibility that the cost will increase.
【０００５】従って、本発明の第１の目的は、組立及び
構成が簡単で、且つシール性が良好な現像剤補給容器を
提供することである。Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container which is easy to assemble and assemble and has good sealing properties.
【０００６】本発明の第２の目的は、簡単な構成で、ト
ナー補給時の操作性の良好な現像剤補給容器を提供する
ことである。A second object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container having a simple structure and excellent operability at the time of toner supply.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的は本発明に係る
現像剤補給容器にて達成される。要約すれば、本発明
は、画像形成装置の現像装置に現像剤を補給するための
現像剤補給容器において、略円筒形の容器本体のトナー
補給口を前記トナー補給口よりも幅の大きい可撓性フィ
ルムで封止し、前記可撓性フィルムの前記容器本体に関
する円周方向の自由端近傍に前記トナー補給口に略等し
い開口を設け、前記可撓性フィルムの自由端を折り返し
て前記容器本体に巻き付け、前記自由端を前記折り返し
部分に接合したことを特徴とする現像剤補給容器であ
る。The above object is achieved by a developer supply container according to the present invention. In summary, the present invention relates to a developer supply container for supplying a developer to a developing device of an image forming apparatus, wherein a toner supply port of a substantially cylindrical container main body has a flexible width larger than the toner supply port. An opening substantially equal to the toner supply port near the free end of the flexible film in the circumferential direction with respect to the container body, and folding the free end of the flexible film to form the container body. , And the free end is joined to the folded portion.
【０００８】前記折り返し部分を固定した状態で前記容
器本体を回転し、前記トナー補給口と前記可撓性フィル
ムの開口を合わせてトナー補給を行ない、前記容器本体
を逆方向に回転して戻すことにより前記トナー補給口を
前記可撓性フィルムにより再封することが好ましい。前
記折り返し部には支持部材を接合することが好ましい。The container body is rotated with the folded portion fixed, toner is supplied by aligning the toner supply port with the opening of the flexible film, and the container body is rotated back in the opposite direction. It is preferable that the toner supply port be resealed with the flexible film. It is preferable that a support member is joined to the folded portion.
【０００９】前記可撓性フィルムの自由端側において、
大略前記折り返し部分から前記開口に至るフィルム幅は
前記開口の幅よりも小さいことが好ましい。前記可撓性
フィルムにおいて、前記容器本体のトナー補給口封止面
と反対の面には低摩擦抵抗材料を配置することが好まし
い。前記容器本体のトナー補給口の封止部において、初
期開封部分は突形状を有していることが好ましい。[0009] On the free end side of the flexible film,
Generally, it is preferable that a film width from the folded portion to the opening is smaller than a width of the opening. In the flexible film, it is preferable that a low friction resistance material is disposed on a surface of the container main body opposite to the toner supply port sealing surface. In the sealing portion of the toner supply port of the container body, it is preferable that the initial opening portion has a protruding shape.
【００１０】本発明による他の態様によれば、画像形成
装置の現像装置に現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容
器において、略円筒形の容器本体のトナー補給口を前記
トナー補給口よりも幅の大きい可撓性フィルムで封止
し、前記可撓性フィルムの前記容器本体に関する円周方
向の自由端近傍に前記トナー補給口に略等しい開口を設
け、前記可撓性フィルムの自由端を折り返して前記容器
本体に巻き付け、前記自由端を前記折り返した部分に接
合し、前記容器本体の内部にトナー搬送機構を設けたこ
とを特徴とする現像剤補給容器が提供される。According to another aspect of the present invention, in a developer supply container for replenishing developer to a developing device of an image forming apparatus, a toner supply port of a substantially cylindrical container body is set to be larger than the toner supply port. An opening substantially equal to the toner supply port is provided near the free end of the flexible film in the circumferential direction with respect to the container body, and the free end of the flexible film is sealed. A developer supply container is provided, wherein the developer supply container is folded back and wound around the container body, the free end is joined to the folded portion, and a toner conveying mechanism is provided inside the container body.
【００１１】[0011]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明に係る現像剤補給容
器を図面に則して更に詳しく説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a developer supply container according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
【００１２】実施例１ 本発明に係る現像剤補給容器（トナー補給容器）の実施
例１について、図１〜図３により説明する。Embodiment 1 Embodiment 1 of a developer supply container (toner supply container) according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
【００１３】図１及び図２に示すように、本実施例のト
ナー補給容器Ｃは、トナー補給用開口部、即ちトナー補
給口３を有する略円筒形の容器本体１と、トナー補給口
３を封止し、外筒の役割を担うフィルム２とを備え、容
器本体１の長手方向端部には回転把手部８が設けられ、
フィルム２には開口４と、一端部に取付けられフィルム
２を固定するための支持部材である支持棒５とを備えて
いる。As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a toner supply container C according to the present embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical container body 1 having a toner supply opening, that is, a toner supply port 3, and a toner supply port 3. A film 2 serving as an outer cylinder for sealing, and a rotating handle 8 is provided at a longitudinal end of the container body 1;
The film 2 has an opening 4 and a support bar 5 attached to one end and serving as a support member for fixing the film 2.
【００１４】次に、概略上記のように構成されたトナー
補給容器の組立手順について説明する。Next, a procedure for assembling the toner supply container having the above-described structure will be described.
【００１５】最初に、容器本体１のトナー補給口３をト
ナー補給口の幅より大きい可撓性フィルム２にて封止す
る。封止手段としては、基本的には物流、環境等にてユ
ーザーの使用前にトナー漏れを起こさないことが条件と
なるが、ヒートシール、超音波溶着等の溶着や両面テー
プ等の貼着が考えられる。本実施例ではヒートシールを
用いており、図２に実際のヒートシール部（斜線部）９
を示す。ここで、通常シール幅として３ｍｍ確保してい
るが、本実施例において、フィルム２が容器本体１から
外れないように、フィルムの端部側であるａ部のシール
幅を１０ｍｍと大きく確保した。なお、容器本体１の材
質にはポリスチレンを用い、シールフィルムの層構成
は、ポリエステル／ナイロン／シーラント（接着層）を
用いた。First, the toner supply port 3 of the container body 1 is sealed with a flexible film 2 larger than the width of the toner supply port. As a sealing means, basically, it is a condition that toner does not leak before use by a user in logistics, environment, etc., but heat sealing, welding such as ultrasonic welding, and sticking such as double-sided tape are used. Conceivable. In this embodiment, a heat seal is used, and FIG. 2 shows an actual heat seal portion (shaded portion) 9.
Is shown. Here, 3 mm is normally secured as the seal width, but in this example, the seal width at the portion a on the end side of the film is as large as 10 mm so that the film 2 does not come off the container body 1. In addition, polystyrene was used for the material of the container main body 1, and polyester / nylon / sealant (adhesive layer) was used for the layer structure of the seal film.
【００１６】フィルム２は、略円筒形の容器本体１の円
周方向に対して十分な長さを有しており、図１にて時計
回りに容器本体１のトナー補給口３を封止した後、その
自由端を反時計回りに折り返して折り返し部７を形成
し、更に容器本体１に巻き付け容器本体１を一周させ
る。このとき、予めフィルム１の図２にて自由端側に容
器本体１のトナー補給口３と略等しい開口４を設けてお
く。The film 2 has a sufficient length in the circumferential direction of the substantially cylindrical container body 1, and closes the toner supply port 3 of the container body 1 clockwise in FIG. Thereafter, the free end is folded counterclockwise to form a folded portion 7, which is further wrapped around the container body 1 to make one round of the container body 1. At this time, an opening 4 substantially equal to the toner supply port 3 of the container body 1 is provided in advance on the free end side of the film 1 in FIG.
【００１７】そして、フィルム２の折り返し部７と自由
端２ａを接合する。本実施例では、この接合部に、更に
フィルム固定用の支持棒５を接合した。Then, the folded portion 7 of the film 2 and the free end 2a are joined. In this embodiment, a support rod 5 for fixing the film is further joined to this joint.
【００１８】次に、上記のように構成されたトナー補給
容器のトナー補給操作について説明する。Next, a toner supply operation of the toner supply container configured as described above will be described.
【００１９】先ず、図１に示す構成のトナー補給容器Ｃ
を画像形成装置、例えば複写機あるいはプリンターの装
着部１０に挿入する（図３参照）。このとき、フィルム
２の自由端２ａ側に設けた開口４と本体現像ホッパー１
０のトナー補給受け口１１を合わせるように配置すると
同時に支持棒５を装置本体内の支持棒受け部１２に固定
する。First, the toner supply container C having the structure shown in FIG.
Is inserted into the mounting section 10 of an image forming apparatus, for example, a copying machine or a printer (see FIG. 3). At this time, the opening 4 provided on the free end 2a side of the film 2 and the main body developing hopper 1
At the same time, the support bar 5 is fixed to the support bar receiving portion 12 in the apparatus main body.
【００２０】次に、容器本体１に設けられた回転把手部
８を廻して、容器本体自身を回転させる。このとき、支
持棒５が装置本体の支持棒受け部１２に固定されている
ために、フィルム２の折り返し部７から自由端側は回転
せず、容器本体１の回転と共にトナー補給口３を封止し
ているフィルム２の封止部９が徐々に剥れていく。そし
て、図３に示す通り、容器本体１を回転させて、全開し
たトナー補給口３とフィルム２の開口４とを一致させ
て、容器本体内部のトナー６を本体現像ホッパー１０側
に排出させる。Next, the rotary handle 8 provided on the container body 1 is turned to rotate the container body itself. At this time, since the support rod 5 is fixed to the support rod receiving portion 12 of the apparatus main body, the free end side does not rotate from the folded portion 7 of the film 2 and the toner supply port 3 is sealed with the rotation of the container main body 1. The sealing portion 9 of the stopped film 2 gradually peels off. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the container main body 1 is rotated so that the fully opened toner supply port 3 and the opening 4 of the film 2 are aligned, and the toner 6 inside the container main body is discharged to the main body developing hopper 10 side.
【００２１】そして、トナーの排出終了後、再び容器の
回転把手部８を逆方向に回して元の位置まで戻し、画像
形成装置本体の装着部１０から取り外す。この時、トナ
ー補給口３はフィルム２に再び覆われて、容器内部に残
ったトナーの飛散を防止する。すなわち、本実施例で
は、トナー補給口３を封止した後のフィルム２の折り返
し自由端側が、内筒である容器本体に対し、外筒の役割
を果たすものである。After the discharge of the toner is completed, the rotary handle 8 of the container is again turned in the opposite direction to return to the original position, and is removed from the mounting portion 10 of the image forming apparatus main body. At this time, the toner supply port 3 is again covered with the film 2 to prevent the toner remaining in the container from scattering. That is, in the present embodiment, the folded free end side of the film 2 after sealing the toner supply port 3 plays the role of an outer cylinder with respect to the container body which is the inner cylinder.
【００２２】又、本実施例で用いた支持棒５は容器本体
１の回転に対し、外筒に相当するフィルム２を支持する
必要があり、それを可能にするだけの剛性が要求され
る。具体的な材質としては、アルミニウム、ステンレ
ス、鉄等の金属やポリスチレン、ポリカーボネート、Ａ
ＢＳ等の樹脂、木材等が考えられるが、本実施例ではポ
リスチレン樹脂を用いた。Further, the support rod 5 used in the present embodiment needs to support the film 2 corresponding to the outer cylinder with respect to the rotation of the container main body 1, and is required to have sufficient rigidity to make it possible. Specific materials include metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and iron, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and A
Resin such as BS, wood and the like can be considered. In this embodiment, a polystyrene resin is used.
【００２３】なお、本実施例では、外筒に相当するフィ
ルムを支持固定することが重要であり、その手段として
は本実施例では支持棒を用いたが、もちろん、それ以外
の手段でも、フィルムを支持固定できれば構わない。In this embodiment, it is important to support and fix the film corresponding to the outer cylinder. In this embodiment, the support rod is used in this embodiment. It does not matter if it can be supported and fixed.
【００２４】本実施例のトナー補給容器を用いてトナー
補給を行なったところ、開封時の強度は４〜６ｋｇｆ程
度で、簡単にトナーを補給することが可能であった。更
に、補給後のトナー補給容器はトナー補給口がフィルム
によって再封されているため、トナー飛散等はほとんど
見られなかった。When toner was supplied using the toner supply container of this embodiment, the strength at the time of opening was about 4 to 6 kgf, and toner could be supplied easily. Further, since the toner supply port of the replenished toner supply container is resealed by the film, toner scattering and the like were hardly observed.
【００２５】又、１０００個の容器を製作して、物流、
環境テストを行なったが、特に異常は見られなかった。Also, 1000 containers are manufactured,
An environmental test was performed, but no abnormalities were found.
【００２６】実施例２ 次に本発明に係るトナー補給容器の実施例２について、
図４により説明する。Embodiment 2 Next, Embodiment 2 of the toner supply container according to the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG.
【００２７】実施例１のフィルムは、その自由端側のフ
ィルム幅が同一であったが、本実施例においては、折り
返し部からトナー排出用開口４までのフィルム幅を、フ
ィルムカット部１３を設けることにより、トナー排出用
開口４の幅よりも小さくしたことを特徴とし、この点以
外は実施例１と同様である。The film of Example 1 had the same film width on the free end side, but in this embodiment, the film width from the folded portion to the toner discharge opening 4 is provided with the film cut portion 13. This is characterized in that the width is smaller than the width of the toner discharge opening 4, and the other points are the same as in the first embodiment.
【００２８】本実施例では、上記の構成を備えることに
より、容器本体１の回転時、特に開封時に容器本体１と
摺動するフィルム２の面積を小さくすることで、摺動強
度の低下を図ることができた。In this embodiment, the provision of the above-described structure reduces the area of the film 2 that slides on the container body 1 when the container body 1 rotates, particularly when the container is opened, thereby reducing the sliding strength. I was able to.
【００２９】本実施例のトナー補給容器を用いてトナー
補給を行なったところ、開封時の摺動強度は、実施例１
に対し、０．５〜１ｋｇｆ低下して、３〜５ｋｇｆ程度
であり、トナー補給に関する問題は実施例１と同様、特
に見られなかった。又、同様に物流、環境テストを行な
ったが、特に異常は見られなかった。When toner was replenished using the toner replenishing container of this embodiment, the sliding strength at the time of opening the container was as shown in Example 1.
On the other hand, it decreased by 0.5 to 1 kgf to about 3 to 5 kgf, and no problem regarding toner replenishment was observed as in Example 1. A logistics and environmental test was conducted in the same manner, but no abnormalities were found.
【００３０】実施例３ 次に、トナー補給容器の実施例３について説明する。本
実施例のフィルムは、実施例１又は２と同様な構成にお
いて、容器本体１のトナー補給口封止面と反対の面に低
摩擦抵抗材料を配置したことを特徴とする。Embodiment 3 Next, Embodiment 3 of the toner supply container will be described. The film of this embodiment is characterized in that, in the same configuration as that of the first or second embodiment, a low friction resistance material is disposed on the surface of the container body 1 opposite to the sealing surface of the toner supply port.
【００３１】具体的に、本実施例では、低摩擦抵抗材料
として、シリコーン樹脂を用い、フィルム表面にコーテ
ィングを行なった。これにより、容器本体の回転時に摺
動する容器本体とフィルムの間及びフィルムの容器開口
封止部と折り返し部の間において、摩擦抵抗を低下させ
て滑り性を向上させ、摺動強度を小さくし滑らかに容器
本体を回転させることが可能になる。もちろん、低摩擦
抵抗材料としてはシリコーン樹脂に限らず、シリコーン
オイル、フッ素樹脂、パラフィン系のワックス類、超高
分子ポリエチレン等の材料を塗布、貼着、散布等の手段
で配置させても構わない。Specifically, in the present embodiment, a silicone resin was used as the low friction resistance material, and the film surface was coated. Thereby, between the container body and the film that slide when the container body rotates and between the container opening sealing portion and the folded portion of the film, the frictional resistance is reduced to improve the slipperiness, and the sliding strength is reduced. It is possible to rotate the container body smoothly. Of course, the low friction resistance material is not limited to the silicone resin, and a material such as silicone oil, fluororesin, paraffin wax, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, etc. may be disposed by means of coating, sticking, spraying or the like. .
【００３２】本実施例のトナー補給容器を用いて、トナ
ー補給を行なったところ、開封時の摺動強度は、実施例
２と同様、実施例１に対し、０．５〜１ｋｇｆ強度低下
が図れ、３〜５ｋｇｆであった。本実施例においても、
物流、環境テストを行なったが、特に異常は見られなか
った。When toner was replenished using the toner replenishing container of this embodiment, the sliding strength at the time of opening was 0.5 to 1 kgf lower than that of Example 1 as in Example 2. 3-5 kgf. Also in this embodiment,
Logistics and environmental tests were conducted, but no abnormalities were found.
【００３３】又、本実施例と実施例２とを組合せること
により、更なる摺動強度の低下が図れ、操作性を向上さ
せることは言うまでもなく可能である。Further, by combining this embodiment with the second embodiment, it is needless to say that the sliding strength can be further reduced and the operability can be improved.
【００３４】実施例４ 次に、図５により実施例４のトナー補給容器について説
明する。Embodiment 4 Next, a toner supply container of Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
【００３５】本実施例では、図５に示す通り、容器本体
１のトナー補給口３を封止するヒートシールパターン９
を、その初期開封部（ｂ部）である長手方向中央部近傍
を突出させて山状に形成したことを特徴とし、それ以外
は実施例１と同じである。In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a heat seal pattern 9 for sealing the toner supply port 3 of the container body 1 is provided.
This is characterized in that it is formed in a mountain shape by protruding the vicinity of the central portion in the longitudinal direction, which is the initial opening portion (portion b), and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment.
【００３６】このような構成とすることにより、開封時
に引き剥すフィルムのシール部の幅を減少させることが
可能になり、開封強度の低下を図ることができる。With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the width of the sealing portion of the film to be peeled off at the time of opening, and it is possible to reduce the opening strength.
【００３７】本実施例のトナー補給容器を用いて、トナ
ー補給を行なったところ、開封時の強度は実施例１に対
し約２〜３ｋｇｆ程度低下させることができた。When toner was supplied using the toner supply container of the present embodiment, the strength at the time of opening could be reduced by about 2 to 3 kgf compared to the first embodiment.
【００３８】又、本実施例の変形例として、図６に示す
ように、ヒートシールパターン９の２箇所に山状部（ｃ
部）を形成した場合においては、本実施例に対し、更に
約０．５ｋｇｆ程度、開封強度を低下できた。As a modification of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
In the case where (part) was formed, the opening strength was further reduced by about 0.5 kgf compared to the present example.
【００３９】又、本実施例も物流、環境テストを行なっ
たが、特に異常は見られなかった。更に、本実施例につ
いても、実施例２、３と組合せることが可能であり、更
なる開封強度の低下が図ることができる。Also in this example, physical distribution and environmental tests were conducted, but no particular abnormality was found. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be combined with the second and third embodiments, and the opening strength can be further reduced.
【００４０】なお、本実施例では、容器開口部を封止し
たフィルムの折り返し部分を容器本体に巻き付ける構成
になっていることから、フィルムの折り返し部分が再び
容器開口部を覆って、二重で押さえているため、トナー
補給前のシール性の向上が図れる。In this embodiment, since the folded portion of the film in which the container opening is sealed is wound around the container main body, the folded portion of the film covers the container opening again and is formed in a double form. Since the pressing is performed, the sealing property before toner replenishment can be improved.
【００４１】又、逆に、折り返し側の外筒フィルムの巻
き付けにより、トナー補給前のシール性の向上が図れる
ことから、容器本体のトナー補給口のヒートシールにつ
いて、シール幅の減少、シール条件の緩和等、意図的に
シール部の剥離強度、即ち、開封強度を低下させて、操
作性の向上を図ることも可能になる。Conversely, by winding the outer cylindrical film on the folded side, the sealing property before toner replenishment can be improved. Therefore, regarding the heat sealing of the toner replenishing port of the container body, the seal width is reduced, and the sealing conditions are reduced. It is also possible to improve the operability by intentionally lowering the peel strength, that is, the opening strength of the seal portion, for example, by relaxing the seal portion.
【００４２】実施例５ 次に、図７により、実施例５のトナー補給容器について
説明する。本実施例のトナー補給容器は、実施例１のト
ナー補給容器において、容器本体内部にトナー撹拌搬送
機構１４を設け、装置本体内に据え置き、トナーの定量
補給を行なう現像ホッパー兼用容器であること以外は実
施例１と同じである。Embodiment 5 Next, a toner supply container of Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The toner supply container according to the present embodiment is different from the toner supply container according to the first embodiment in that the toner agitating / conveying mechanism 14 is provided inside the container main body, the container is also installed in the apparatus main body, and is also a container that also serves as a developing hopper that supplies a fixed amount of toner. Is the same as in the first embodiment.
【００４３】本実施例についても、トナー補給時の開封
及び容器の取外しにおける問題等は全くなく、実施例１
と同様の効果が得られた。Also in the present embodiment, there is no problem in opening the toner at the time of toner supply and removing the container.
The same effect as described above was obtained.
【００４４】又、物流、環境テストについても、特に異
常は見られなかった。No abnormalities were found in the physical distribution and environmental tests.
【００４５】比較例１ 次に、上記実施例との比較例１について、図８により説
明する。本比較例は、円筒形の容器本体２１にトナー補
給口２３を設け、トナー補給口２３をフィルム２２でヒ
ートシールして封止した最も基本的なトナー補給容器で
ある。Comparative Example 1 Next, Comparative Example 1 with the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This comparative example is the most basic toner supply container in which a toner supply port 23 is provided in a cylindrical container main body 21 and the toner supply port 23 is sealed by heat sealing with a film 22.
【００４６】本比較例では、トナー補給口２３を上向き
にした状態で装置本体に挿入し、トナーシールであるフ
ィルム２２を引っ張って開封してから容器本体２１を回
転させて、トナー補給口２３を下向き、すなわち、装置
本体のホッパー受け口に合わせてトナー補給を行なう。
このとき、ユーザーはトナーで汚れたフィルム２２を容
器本体２１から外して廃棄する必要があり、その際にト
ナー飛散が生じることが多かった。又、トナーを容器本
体２１から排出させた後、再び容器本体２１を回転させ
てトナー補給口２３を上向きにしてから、装置本体より
取外し廃棄する際に、容器本体のトナー補給口２３が開
いたままになっているため、トナー飛散し易い傾向があ
った。In this comparative example, the toner supply port 23 is inserted into the apparatus main body with the toner supply port 23 facing upward, the film 22 serving as a toner seal is pulled open, and then the container main body 21 is rotated. The toner is supplied downward, that is, in accordance with the hopper receptacle of the apparatus main body.
At this time, the user has to remove the film 22 contaminated with toner from the container body 21 and discard it. Further, after the toner is discharged from the container main body 21, the container main body 21 is rotated again so that the toner supply port 23 faces upward. Because of this, the toner tends to be scattered.
【００４７】更に、実施例１と同様、物流、環境テスト
を行なったところ、３本ほどヒートシール部分シール浮
きが発生し、内１本はトナーが極微小漏れていた。Further, as in Example 1, a physical distribution and an environmental test were conducted. As a result, about three of the heat seal portions were lifted, and one of the heat seal portions leaked very little toner.
【００４８】比較例２ 次に、図９により上記実施例との比較例２について説明
する。本比較例は、円筒形の容器本体３１を内筒３１ａ
と外筒３１ｂの二重にし、内筒３１ａのトナー補給口３
３の周辺部にポリウレタンのシール部材３６を配置し
て、シール部材３６の圧縮によりシール性を確保する、
いわゆる二重丸筒容器である。Comparative Example 2 Next, a comparative example 2 with the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this comparative example, a cylindrical container main body 31 is attached to an inner cylinder 31a.
And the outer cylinder 31b and the toner supply port 3 of the inner cylinder 31a.
3. A polyurethane sealing member 36 is disposed around the periphery of the third member 3 to secure the sealing performance by compressing the sealing member 36.
This is a so-called double round container.
【００４９】本比較例を、外筒３１ｂのトナー補給用の
開口３７を下向きにした状態、即ち、外筒３１ｂの開口
３７と、装置本体のホッパーの受け口を合わせた状態で
トナー補給容器を装置本体に挿入してから、内筒３１ａ
のみ回転させて外筒３１ｂのトナー補給口３７と内筒３
１ａのトナー補給口３３と合わせることにより、容器本
体３１内のトナーを排出させる。In this comparative example, the toner replenishing container is mounted with the toner supply opening 37 of the outer cylinder 31b facing downward, that is, with the opening 37 of the outer cylinder 31b aligned with the receptacle of the hopper of the apparatus main body. After being inserted into the main body, the inner cylinder 31a
Only the toner supply port 37 of the outer cylinder 31b and the inner cylinder 3
The toner in the container body 31 is discharged by aligning the toner supply port 33 with the toner supply port 1a.
【００５０】更に、トナー排出後、再び内筒３１ａを回
転させて、内筒３１ａのトナー補給口３３を外筒３１ｂ
で完全に塞いでからトナー補給容器を装置本体より取り
出す。Further, after the toner is discharged, the inner cylinder 31a is rotated again so that the toner supply port 33 of the inner cylinder 31a is connected to the outer cylinder 31b.
And completely take out the toner supply container from the apparatus main body.
【００５１】本比較例では、内筒３１ａと外筒３１ｂに
挟まれたシール部材３６を圧縮することにより、シール
性を保つ構成になっているが、トナー補給前の環境、物
流テストをクリアーすることが非常に困難である。即
ち、落下時や減圧時に容器からのトナー漏れを防止する
ためには、シール材の圧縮量を維持するために、内、外
筒の反りやヒケを防止することが必要である。In this comparative example, the sealing property is maintained by compressing the sealing member 36 sandwiched between the inner cylinder 31a and the outer cylinder 31b. However, the environment and the distribution test before toner supply are cleared. It is very difficult. That is, in order to prevent the toner from leaking from the container at the time of falling or decompression, it is necessary to prevent the inner and outer cylinders from warping and sinking in order to maintain the compression amount of the sealing material.
【００５２】しかしながら、シール材の圧縮量を大きく
すると、シール材と外筒との摺動抵抗が大きくなって、
即ち、開封及び再封時の強度が大きくなり、操作性を悪
化させる可能性が高い。更に、再封時にシール材が強く
しごかれてちぎれるというトラブルも発生する危険性が
ある。However, when the amount of compression of the sealing material is increased, the sliding resistance between the sealing material and the outer cylinder is increased.
That is, the strength at the time of opening and resealing is increased, and there is a high possibility that operability is deteriorated. Further, there is a danger that a problem that the sealing material is strongly peeled off at the time of resealing may occur.
【００５３】又、内、外筒の反りやヒケを防止するため
に、シール材の反発力に負けない剛性が必要になり、例
えば金属やガラス繊維強化樹脂等の特殊な材料を用いる
ことによってコストアップしたり、筒の成型寸法精度も
従来以上に厳しいレベルが要求されることになる。Further, in order to prevent the inner and outer cylinders from warping and sinking, the sealing material needs to have rigidity which is not defeated by the repulsive force of the sealing material. In addition, the dimensional accuracy of the cylinder is required to be stricter than before.
【００５４】本比較例のトナー補給容器によりトナー補
給を行なったところ、開封時の強度が６〜８ｋｇ程度ま
で上昇してしまったことから、シール材の圧縮量を減ら
したところ、トナー補給前の落下テストにてトナー漏れ
が発生してしまった。When toner was supplied by the toner supply container of this comparative example, the strength at the time of opening increased to about 6 to 8 kg. Toner leakage has occurred in the drop test.
【００５５】[0055]
【発明の効果】以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明
による現像剤補給容器は、略円筒形の容器本体のトナー
補給口を前記トナー補給口よりも幅の大きい可撓性フィ
ルムで封止し、前記可撓性フィルムの前記容器本体に関
する円周方向の自由端近傍に前記トナー補給口に略等し
い開口を設け、前記可撓性フィルムの自由端を折り返し
て前記容器本体に巻き付け、前記自由端を前記折り返し
部分に接合したことにより、次の効果を得ることができ
る。 （１）組立及び構成が簡単で、且つシール性が良好であ
り、従って、製造コストを削減でき、トナーによる汚染
を防止できる。 （２）簡単な構成でトナー補給時の操作性を簡単且つ良
好とすることができる。As is apparent from the above description, in the developer supply container according to the present invention, the toner supply port of the substantially cylindrical container body is sealed with a flexible film wider than the toner supply port. An opening substantially equal to the toner supply port is provided near the free end of the flexible film in the circumferential direction with respect to the container body, and the free end of the flexible film is folded back and wound around the container body, and The following effects can be obtained by joining the end to the folded portion. (1) The assembling and configuration are simple and the sealing properties are good, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced and contamination by toner can be prevented. (2) The operability at the time of toner supply can be made simple and favorable with a simple configuration.
【図１】本発明のトナー補給容器の実施例１の構成を示
す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a toner supply container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】図１のトナー補給容器の組立状態を示す斜視図
である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the toner supply container of FIG. 1;
【図３】図１のトナー補給容器のトナー排出状態を示す
断面図である。FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a toner discharge state of the toner supply container of FIG. 1;
【図４】本発明の実施例２のトナー補給容器の組立状態
を斜視図である。FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of a toner supply container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図５】本発明の実施例３のトナー補給容器の組立状態
を示す斜視図である。FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of a toner supply container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図６】実施例３のトナー補給容器の変形例であるトナ
ー補給容器の組立状態を示す斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of a toner supply container which is a modification of the toner supply container of the third embodiment.
【図７】本発明の実施例５のトナー補給容器の構成を示
す断面図である。FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a configuration of a toner supply container according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
【図８】比較例１のトナー補給容器を示す斜視図であ
る。FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a toner supply container of Comparative Example 1.
【図９】比較例２のトナー補給容器の構成を示す断面図
である。FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a toner supply container of Comparative Example 2.
１ 容器本体 ２ フィルム（可撓性フィルム） ３ トナー補給口 ４ 開口 ５ 支持棒（支持部材） ６ トナー ７ 折り返し部 ８ 回転把手部 ９ ヒートシール部 １０ 現像ホッパー １１ 現像ホッパートナー受け口 １２ 支持棒固定部 １３ フィルムカット部 １４ トナー搬送機構 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Container main body 2 Film (flexible film) 3 Toner supply port 4 Opening 5 Support rod (support member) 6 Toner 7 Folding part 8 Rotating handle part 9 Heat seal part 10 Developing hopper 11 Developing hop partner receiving port 12 Support rod fixing part 13 Film cut section 14 Toner transport mechanism
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) G03G 15/08 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. 7 , DB name) G03G 15/08
Claims (7)
するための現像剤補給容器において、略円筒形の容器本
体のトナー補給口を前記トナー補給口よりも幅の大きい
可撓性フィルムで封止し、前記可撓性フィルムの前記容
器本体に関する円周方向の自由端近傍に前記トナー補給
口に略等しい開口を設け、前記可撓性フィルムの自由端
を折り返して前記容器本体に巻き付け、前記自由端を前
記折り返し部分に接合したことを特徴とする現像剤補給
容器。In a developer supply container for supplying a developer to a developing device of an image forming apparatus, a toner supply port of a substantially cylindrical container body is formed of a flexible film having a width larger than that of the toner supply port. Sealing, providing an opening substantially equal to the toner supply port near the free end of the flexible film in the circumferential direction with respect to the container body, folding the free end of the flexible film and winding the flexible film around the container body, The developer supply container, wherein the free end is joined to the folded portion.
容器本体を回転し、前記トナー補給口と前記可撓性フィ
ルムの開口を合わせてトナー補給を行ない、前記容器本
体を逆方向に回転して戻すことにより前記トナー補給口
を前記可撓性フィルムにより再封することを特徴とする
請求項１の現像剤補給容器。2. The container body is rotated with the folded portion fixed, toner is supplied by aligning the toner supply port with the opening of the flexible film, and the container body is rotated in the opposite direction. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the toner supply port is resealed by returning the toner supply port to the flexible film.
とを特徴とする請求項１の現像剤補給容器。3. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein a support member is joined to said folded portion.
て、大略前記折り返し部分から前記開口に至るフィルム
幅が前記開口の幅よりも小さいことを特徴とする請求項
１の現像剤補給容器。4. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the width of the film from the folded portion to the opening is generally smaller than the width of the opening on the free end side of the flexible film.
本体のトナー補給口封止面と反対の面に低摩擦抵抗材料
を配置することを特徴とする請求項１の現像剤補給容
器。5. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein a low friction resistance material is disposed on a surface of the flexible film opposite to a surface of the container main body where the toner supply port is sealed.
おいて、初期開封部分が突形状を有していることを特徴
とする請求項１の現像剤補給容器。6. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein an initial opening portion has a protruding shape in a sealing portion of the toner supply port of the container main body.
するための現像剤補給容器において、略円筒形の容器本
体のトナー補給口を前記トナー補給口よりも幅の大きい
可撓性フィルムで封止し、前記可撓性フィルムの前記容
器本体に関する円周方向の自由端近傍に前記トナー補給
口に略等しい開口を設け、前記可撓性フィルムの自由端
を折り返して前記容器本体に巻き付け、前記自由端を前
記折り返した部分に接合し、前記容器本体の内部にトナ
ー搬送機構を設けたことを特徴とする現像剤補給容器。7. A developer supply container for supplying developer to a developing device of an image forming apparatus, wherein a toner supply port of a substantially cylindrical container body is formed of a flexible film having a width larger than that of the toner supply port. Sealing, providing an opening substantially equal to the toner supply port near the free end of the flexible film in the circumferential direction with respect to the container body, folding the free end of the flexible film and winding the flexible film around the container body, The developer supply container, wherein the free end is joined to the folded portion, and a toner conveying mechanism is provided inside the container body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP05682196A JP3288219B2 (en) | 1996-02-20 | 1996-02-20 | Developer supply container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP05682196A JP3288219B2 (en) | 1996-02-20 | 1996-02-20 | Developer supply container |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH09230685A JPH09230685A (en) | 1997-09-05 |
| JP3288219B2 true JP3288219B2 (en) | 2002-06-04 |
Family
ID=13038047
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP05682196A Expired - Fee Related JP3288219B2 (en) | 1996-02-20 | 1996-02-20 | Developer supply container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3288219B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4672157B2 (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2011-04-20 | 桂川電機株式会社 | Toner cartridge |
| JP5932479B2 (en) * | 2012-05-21 | 2016-06-08 | キヤノン株式会社 | Developer storage unit, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus |
| JP6091686B2 (en) * | 2016-04-28 | 2017-03-08 | キヤノン株式会社 | Developer storage unit |
-
1996
- 1996-02-20 JP JP05682196A patent/JP3288219B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH09230685A (en) | 1997-09-05 |
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