JPH032881A - Developer supplying container - Google Patents

Developer supplying container

Info

Publication number
JPH032881A
JPH032881A JP1138531A JP13853189A JPH032881A JP H032881 A JPH032881 A JP H032881A JP 1138531 A JP1138531 A JP 1138531A JP 13853189 A JP13853189 A JP 13853189A JP H032881 A JPH032881 A JP H032881A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
opening
developer
container
cylindrical body
toner
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.)
Granted
Application number
JP1138531A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2926756B2 (en
Inventor
Hiromitsu Saijo
西條　博光
Toshiharu Yamamoto
俊治 山本
Akio Kimura
明夫 木村
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Minolta Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Minolta Co Ltd
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
Application filed by Minolta Co Ltd filed Critical Minolta Co Ltd
Priority to JP1138531A priority Critical patent/JP2926756B2/en
Priority to DE19904017458 priority patent/DE4017458A1/en
Publication of JPH032881A publication Critical patent/JPH032881A/en
Priority to US07/777,721 priority patent/US5296900A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP2926756B2 publication Critical patent/JP2926756B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
    • G03G15/0881—Sealing of developer cartridges
    • G03G15/0886—Sealing of developer cartridges by mechanical means, e.g. shutter, plug
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G03G15/0867—Arrangements for supplying new developer cylindrical developer cartridges, e.g. toner bottles for the developer replenishing opening
    • G03G15/0868—Toner cartridges fulfilling a continuous function within the electrographic apparatus during the use of the supplied developer material, e.g. toner discharge on demand, storing residual toner, acting as an active closure for the developer replenishing opening
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G2215/0665—Generally horizontally mounting of said toner cartridge parallel to its longitudinal rotational axis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G2215/0675—Generally cylindrical container shape having two ends
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0685—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material fulfilling a continuous function within the electrographic apparatus during the use of the supplied developer material, e.g. toner discharge on demand, storing residual toner, not acting as a passive closure for the developer replenishing opening

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE:To supply a fixed quantity of developer from an opening part by each rotation of a cylindrical body by providing a regulating means by which the developer carrying cross-section of the cylindrical body is made smaller as it comes closer to the opening part. CONSTITUTION:The regulating means 11 is provided so as to make the developer carrying cross-section of the cylindrical body 2 smaller as it comes closer to the opening part 6. A conical, semispherical, or semielliptic-spherical member which is provided on the inside of one edge of the cylindrical body is suitable for the regulation means 11. When the cylindrical body 2 rotates, the developer is carried to the opening part 6 along a spiral groove, at the same time, the carrying quantity is regulated by the regulating means 11, and the quantity of the developer which is carried to the opening 6 is fixed. Thus, the quantity of developer which is supplied from the opening part 6 by each rotation of the cylindrical body 2 is almost fixed.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 （産業上の利用分野） 本発明は、粉体現像剤を使用する複写機、プリンタ、フ
ァクシミリ等の画像形成装置の現像装置に現像剤を供給
する現像剤供給容器に関するものてある。Detailed Description of the Invention (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a developer supply container that supplies developer to a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine that uses a powder developer. There are things.

（従来の技術） 従来、画像形成装置として、現像剤を収容した容器を画
像形成装置本体に着脱自在に設け、この容器から落下供
給された現像剤を貯蔵部に一旦貯蔵し、ここから搬送手
段で現像装置に補給するものが知られている。(Prior Art) Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, a container containing a developer is detachably provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the developer dropped and supplied from the container is temporarily stored in a storage section, and then transferred to a conveying means from there. There is a known method that replenishes the developing device.

しかしながら、この画像形成装置では、貯蔵部の他に前
記容器を装着するためのスペースを必要とするので、画
像形成装置が大型化する。また、容器から貯蔵部に現像
剤が供給されてしまえば、容ＩＨの収容スペースは実質
的に不要になるわけで、スペースの利用が非効率的であ
った。However, this image forming apparatus requires a space for mounting the container in addition to the storage section, which increases the size of the image forming apparatus. Further, once the developer is supplied from the container to the storage section, the storage space for the IH becomes substantially unnecessary, resulting in inefficient use of space.

そこで、現像剤供給容器として、一端に開口部を有する
円筒体の内周面に沿って螺旋溝を設け、この円筒体を回
転させながら前記螺旋溝に沿って現像剤を容器の一端側
に搬送し、前記開口部を介して直接的に現像装置に現像
剤を供給するようにしたものが、特開昭５３−１４６６
３９号公報で提案されている。このものでは、貯蔵部が
不要（ごなり、その分スペース効率か良くなる。Therefore, as a developer supply container, a spiral groove is provided along the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical body having an opening at one end, and the developer is conveyed to one end side of the container along the spiral groove while rotating this cylindrical body. However, a device in which the developer is directly supplied to the developing device through the opening is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 53-1466.
This is proposed in Publication No. 39. This method does not require a storage section, so it is more space efficient.

（発明が解決しようとする課題） しかしながら、前記現像剤供給容器では、現像剤の残量
により現像剤の供給能力が著しく変動する。具体的に、
容器回転数（供給時間）を横軸、容器−回転当たりの現
像剤供給量を縦軸にとって表すと、第６図に示すように
、ある回転回数までは現像剤供給量が次第に多くなり、
ピーク状態を越えると今度は減少の一途をたどる傾向を
示す。すなわち、容器−回転当たりの現像剤供給量が常
に変化しているので、現像装置における現像剤量や濃度
管理が極めて難しいという問題点を有していた。(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the developer supply container, the developer supply capacity varies significantly depending on the remaining amount of developer. specifically,
If the horizontal axis represents the number of container rotations (supply time) and the vertical axis represents the amount of developer supplied per container rotation, as shown in FIG. 6, the amount of developer supplied gradually increases until a certain number of rotations;
Once the peak state is exceeded, it shows a tendency to continue to decrease. That is, since the amount of developer supplied per rotation of the container is constantly changing, there has been a problem in that it is extremely difficult to manage the amount and concentration of developer in the developing device.

（課題を解決するための手段） 本発明は、前記問題点を解決するためになされたもので
、一端側に開口部を有し内周面に沿って軸方向に延在す
る螺旋溝を設けた円筒体を回転し、前記螺旋溝に沿って
搬送される現像剤を前記開口部を介して送り出す現像剤
供給容器において、前記開口部に向かうに従って前記円
筒体の現像剤搬送断面を縮小する規制手段を設けた。な
お、前記規制手段としては、円筒体の一端の内側に設け
た円錐状又は半球状若しくは半楕円球状の部材が適当で
ある。(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and includes a spiral groove having an opening at one end and extending in the axial direction along the inner circumferential surface. In a developer supply container in which a cylindrical body rotates and the developer conveyed along the spiral groove is sent out through the opening, a regulation that reduces a developer conveying cross section of the cylindrical body as it approaches the opening. The means were set up. Note that a conical, hemispherical, or semiellipsoidal member provided inside one end of the cylindrical body is suitable as the regulating means.

（作用） 前記現像剤供給容器では、円筒体が回転すると、現像剤
は螺旋溝に沿って開口部に移動するとともに、規制手段
で移動量が規制され、開口部まで移動する現像剤量は一
定になる。したがって、円筒体−回転当たり開口部から
供給される現像剤量がほぼ一定になる。(Function) In the developer supply container, when the cylindrical body rotates, the developer moves to the opening along the spiral groove, and the amount of movement is regulated by the regulating means, so that the amount of developer that moves to the opening is constant. become. Therefore, the amount of developer supplied from the opening per rotation of the cylinder becomes approximately constant.

（実施例） 以下、添付図面を参照して本発明の一実施例について説
明する。(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

第１，２図において、１は現像剤供給容器（以下、「容
器」という。）で、一端を開城し他端を閉鎖した円筒体
２と、この円筒体２の開放部に着脱自在に設けたＭｌｏ
とからなる。なお、円筒体２の他端側も蓋で閉鎖するよ
うにしてもよい。In Figures 1 and 2, 1 is a developer supply container (hereinafter referred to as "container"), which is attached to a cylindrical body 2 with one end open and the other end closed, and is detachably installed in the open part of the cylindrical body 2. Mlo
It consists of Note that the other end of the cylindrical body 2 may also be closed with a lid.

円筒体２は、熱可塑性樹脂を用いてブロー成形により一
体的に形成したもので、内側に突出する突条３が内周面
に沿って螺旋状に形成され、突条３と突条３との間に螺
旋溝４が形成されている。The cylindrical body 2 is integrally formed by blow molding using a thermoplastic resin, and a protrusion 3 protruding inward is formed in a spiral shape along the inner peripheral surface, and the protrusion 3 and the protrusion 3 are formed in a spiral shape along the inner peripheral surface. A spiral groove 4 is formed between them.

また、円筒体２の開放側（第１図における左側）には、
螺旋溝４の終端部５の近傍に開口部６が設けてあり、円
筒体２の閉鎖側の壁７には中央に内側に突出した凹部８
が設けである。Moreover, on the open side of the cylindrical body 2 (the left side in FIG. 1),
An opening 6 is provided near the terminal end 5 of the spiral groove 4, and a recess 8 protruding inwardly at the center of the wall 7 on the closed side of the cylindrical body 2.
is the provision.

蓋１０は、内面を円筒体２の閉鎖側（第１図における右
側）に向かって膨出し、円筒体２の中心軸上に頂点を有
する円錐状の規制部１１が設けてあり、蓋１０の外面に
は中央に係合凹部１２が設けである。なお、規制部１１
は、半球状又は半楕円球状としてもよい。The lid 10 has an inner surface that bulges out toward the closed side of the cylindrical body 2 (the right side in FIG. 1), and is provided with a conical regulating portion 11 having an apex on the central axis of the cylindrical body 2. An engaging recess 12 is provided in the center of the outer surface. In addition, the regulation section 11
may be hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal.

前記構成からなる容器ｌは、円筒体２の開口部６を図示
しないシールテープ等で覆い、トナーＸが装填され、蓋
ＩＯで密封される。なお、トナーＸに代えて、トナーと
磁性キャリアとからなるスタータを装填してもよい。In the container 1 having the above structure, the opening 6 of the cylindrical body 2 is covered with a sealing tape (not shown), the toner X is loaded, and the container 1 is sealed with a lid IO. Note that instead of toner X, a starter made of toner and magnetic carrier may be loaded.

容器ｌを装着するトナー搬送袋？０では、第３．４図に
示すように、フレーム２１が略Ｕ字状に形成され、その
底部に設けた補給口２２が、現像装置に連結されている
輸送管２４の一端上部に位置させである。なお、フレー
ム２１には、そのＵ状の内面に沿って補給口２２の両側
にそれぞれスポンジ等のシール部材２３．２３が設けで
ある。Toner transport bag to attach container l? 0, the frame 21 is formed into a substantially U-shape, and the replenishment port 22 provided at the bottom of the frame 21 is located above one end of the transport pipe 24 connected to the developing device. It is. The frame 21 is provided with seal members 23, 23 such as sponges on both sides of the supply port 22 along its U-shaped inner surface.

また、輸送管２４には搬送羽根２５が収容してあり、図
示しないモータで回転するようにしである。Further, a transport blade 25 is housed in the transport pipe 24 and is rotated by a motor (not shown).

さらに、フレーム２１の側部には駆動装置２６が設けて
あり、その駆動軸２７がフレーム２１の内側に突出させ
である。一方、駆動装置２６の反対側には、駆動軸２７
と同軸上に軸２８が設けてあり、この軸２８は軸方向に
移動できるようにしである。Furthermore, a drive device 26 is provided on the side of the frame 21, and its drive shaft 27 projects inside the frame 21. On the other hand, on the opposite side of the drive device 26, a drive shaft 27 is provided.
A shaft 28 is provided coaxially with the shaft 28, and the shaft 28 is movable in the axial direction.

前記トナー搬送装置２０に対して、容器１はその開放側
をフレーム２１に支持させ、蓋１ｏの係合凹部１２に駆
動軸２７の先端を係合し、閉鎖側の凹部８に軸２８の先
端を圧接して係合し、これら軸２７．２８を支点として
略水平状態で回転可能に支持させる。なお、容器■をト
ナー搬送装置２０に装着するときは、円筒体ｌの開口部
６は上方に位置させ、装着前または装着後にシールテー
プを剥がして開口部６を開放する。With respect to the toner conveying device 20, the open side of the container 1 is supported by the frame 21, the tip of the drive shaft 27 is engaged with the engagement recess 12 of the lid 1o, and the tip of the shaft 28 is engaged with the recess 8 on the closing side. The shafts 27 and 28 are pressed into engagement with each other, and are rotatably supported in a substantially horizontal state using these shafts 27 and 28 as fulcrums. When the container (2) is installed in the toner conveying device 20, the opening 6 of the cylindrical body (1) is positioned upward, and the sealing tape is peeled off before or after installation to open the opening 6.

以上のようにしてトナー搬送装置２０に装着された容器
１は、駆動装置２６の駆動軸２７が矢印ａ方向に回転す
ると、この駆動軸２７とこれと対向する軸２８を中心に
矢印ａ方向に回転する。When the drive shaft 27 of the drive device 26 rotates in the direction of the arrow a, the container 1 attached to the toner conveying device 20 as described above moves in the direction of the arrow a around the drive shaft 27 and the shaft 28 opposite thereto. Rotate.

容器１に収容されているトナーＸは、容器１の矢印ａ方
向の回転により、螺旋溝４に沿って全体的に開放側に移
動する。また、Ｍｌｏの規制部１１と容器１の内面との
間の空間（以下「規制空間」という。）１３に運ばれる
と、該規制空間１３では開放側に向かうに従って空間断
面積が縮小されているので、開放側に向かうトナーＸの
移動が規制され、開放側端部に到達するトナー量が一定
になる。The toner X contained in the container 1 moves entirely toward the open side along the spiral groove 4 as the container 1 rotates in the direction of arrow a. Furthermore, when the Mlo is transported to the space (hereinafter referred to as "regulated space") 13 between the regulating part 11 and the inner surface of the container 1, the spatial cross-sectional area in the regulating space 13 is reduced toward the open side. Therefore, the movement of the toner X toward the open side is restricted, and the amount of toner that reaches the open side end becomes constant.

螺旋溝４に沿って開放側に到達したトナーＸは、容器１
の回転とともに開口部６が下に位置したときに、該開口
部６より補給口２２を介して輸送管２４に落下供給され
る。すなわち、トナーは容器１が一回転するごとに一定
量づつ輸送管２４に供給される。そして、輸送管２４に
供給されたトナーＸは、搬送羽根２５の回転に基づいて
現像装置に搬送される。The toner X that has reached the open side along the spiral groove 4 is transferred to the container 1.
When the opening 6 is positioned downward with the rotation of , the liquid is dropped and supplied from the opening 6 to the transport pipe 24 via the supply port 22 . That is, a fixed amount of toner is supplied to the transport pipe 24 each time the container 1 rotates once. The toner X supplied to the transport pipe 24 is then transported to the developing device based on the rotation of the transport blades 25.

容器１から輸送管２４に供給される一回転当たりのトナ
ー量を縦軸、容器ｌの回転回数を横軸にとって表すと、
第５図に示すように、容器１の装着直後とトナーエンプ
ティ状態のときを除き、容器１から供給される一回転当
たりのトナーｍが安定している。特に、本実施例の容器
ｌでは、開口部６が螺旋溝４の終端部５の近傍に設けで
あるので、螺旋溝４に沿って移動してくるトナーＸが分
散したり逆流することなくそのまま開口部６に落ち込み
、一定量づつ供給される。If the amount of toner per revolution supplied from the container 1 to the transport pipe 24 is represented on the vertical axis, and the number of rotations of the container 1 is represented on the horizontal axis,
As shown in FIG. 5, the toner m supplied from the container 1 per rotation is stable except immediately after the container 1 is attached and when the toner is empty. In particular, in the container l of this embodiment, since the opening 6 is provided near the terminal end 5 of the spiral groove 4, the toner X moving along the spiral groove 4 remains as it is without being dispersed or flowing backward. It falls into the opening 6 and is supplied in fixed amounts.

第７．　８．９図は容器１の開口部６に開閉カバー３０
を設けた実施例を示し、この開閉カバー３０は、先頭部
分〔矢印ａ方向側〕が軸３１で回転可能に支持されてい
る。7th. 8.9 Figure 9 shows an opening/closing cover 30 attached to the opening 6 of the container 1.
This opening/closing cover 30 is rotatably supported by a shaft 31 at its leading end (the side in the direction of arrow a).

開閉カバー３０は、開口部６が上に位置しているとき該
開口部６を閉鎖している（第７図参照）。The opening/closing cover 30 closes the opening 6 when the opening 6 is positioned upward (see FIG. 7).

また、開閉カバー３０は、容器Ｉの回転とともに開口部
６がフレーム２１と対向すると自身の自重によって開口
部６を開こうとするが、フレーム２１で規制されて開口
部６を閉鎖した状態を維持する。Further, when the opening 6 faces the frame 21 as the container I rotates, the opening/closing cover 30 tries to open the opening 6 due to its own weight, but is restricted by the frame 21 and keeps the opening 6 closed. do.

開口部６が輸送管２４に連絡する補給口２２に対向する
と、開閉カバー３０がフレーム２１の規制から解放され
て矢印す方向に回転し、開口部６を開放してトナーＸを
補給口２゛２に落下供給する。When the opening 6 faces the replenishment port 22 communicating with the transport pipe 24, the opening/closing cover 30 is released from the restriction of the frame 21 and rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow, opening the opening 6 and transferring the toner X to the replenishment port 2. Supply falling to 2.

そして、開口部６が補給口２２を通過していくに従って
、開閉カバー３０は補給口２２の縁に当たり、容器１の
回転に従って矢印ｂ′力方向回転して開口部６を閉鎖す
る。すなわち、開口部６は補給口２２と対向していると
きだけ開放され、その他のときは開閉カバー３０で閉鎖
されるので、容器ｌとフレーム２１との間にこぼれるト
ナー量が減り、また容器１の回転に従って内部で撹乱さ
れるトナーの粉煙が外部に漏れることがなく、周辺を汚
染することも少ない。Then, as the opening 6 passes through the replenishment port 22, the opening/closing cover 30 hits the edge of the replenishment port 22, rotates in the direction of arrow b' as the container 1 rotates, and closes the opening 6. That is, since the opening 6 is opened only when facing the supply port 22 and is closed by the opening/closing cover 30 at other times, the amount of toner spilled between the container 1 and the frame 21 is reduced, and the amount of toner spilled between the container 1 and the frame 21 is reduced. Toner powder smoke that is agitated internally as the toner rotates does not leak to the outside and is less likely to contaminate the surrounding area.

第１０．１１図は開閉カバーの別の実施例を示し、開閉
カバー４０は円筒体２の外′周面に沿って周方向にスラ
イド可能に設けてあり、その先頭側４０ａに所定幅の板
バネ４１か設けである。板バネ４１は、一端を開閉カバ
ー４０の外面に固定して先頭側４０ａに延設され、開閉
カバー４ｏの先端部近傍で外方に屈曲して係合部４２を
形成し、さらに内方に屈曲して開口部６を通り円筒体２
の内部に突出されるとともに、この突出部４３が後方に
屈曲しである。また、板バネ４１には、一端を円筒体２
の外周面に係止したスプリング４４の曲端が係止してあ
り、板バネ４Ｉ及び開閉カバー４０は常時矢印ａ方向、
すなわち開口部６を閉鎖する方向に付勢されている。Fig. 10.11 shows another embodiment of the opening/closing cover, in which the opening/closing cover 40 is provided so as to be slidable in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 2, and a plate of a predetermined width is provided on the leading end side 40a. A spring 41 is provided. The leaf spring 41 has one end fixed to the outer surface of the opening/closing cover 40 and extends to the front side 40a, bends outward near the tip of the opening/closing cover 4o to form an engaging part 42, and further inwards. The cylindrical body 2 bends and passes through the opening 6.
The protruding portion 43 is bent rearward. Further, the plate spring 41 has one end attached to the cylindrical body 2.
The bent end of a spring 44 is locked to the outer peripheral surface of the plate spring 4I and the opening/closing cover 40 are always moved in the direction of arrow a,
That is, it is biased in a direction to close the opening 6.

前記開閉カバー４０は、第１１図に示すように、容器１
の回転とともに開口部６を閉鎖した状態で移動し、フレ
ーム２１の補給口２２に至ると、仮バネ４１の係合部４
２が補給口２２の縁に設けた突起４６に係合し、仮バネ
４１及び開閉カバー４０の移動が規制され、開閉カバー
４０は開口部６に対して相対的に矢印ａ方向と逆の方向
に移動し、補給口２２に対向する開口部６が開放されて
、容器１のトナーが輸送管２３に落下供給される。次に
、円筒体２の回転とともに、板バネ４１の突出部４３の
先端が開口部６の後方縁に設けた突起４５に乗り上げる
と、突出部４３及び係合部４２が円筒体２の内側に移動
し、該係合部４２と突起４６との係合が外れ、開閉カバ
ー４０はスプリング４４の付勢力で容器１に対して相対
的に矢印ａ方向に移動し、開口部６を閉鎖する。The opening/closing cover 40 is attached to the container 1 as shown in FIG.
As the frame 21 rotates, it moves with the opening 6 closed, and when it reaches the supply port 22 of the frame 21, the engagement part 4 of the temporary spring 41
2 engages with a protrusion 46 provided on the edge of the supply port 22, the movement of the temporary spring 41 and the opening/closing cover 40 is regulated, and the opening/closing cover 40 is moved in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow a relative to the opening 6. , the opening 6 facing the supply port 22 is opened, and the toner in the container 1 is dropped and supplied to the transport pipe 23 . Next, as the cylindrical body 2 rotates, when the tip of the protruding part 43 of the leaf spring 41 rides on the protrusion 45 provided on the rear edge of the opening 6, the protruding part 43 and the engaging part 42 move inside the cylindrical body 2. The opening/closing cover 40 moves in the direction of arrow a relative to the container 1 by the biasing force of the spring 44 and closes the opening 6.

第１２図に示す容器１は、開放側の端部を蓋１０の規制
部１１に沿って漏斗状に拡径し、この拡径部１ａに開口
部６を設けたものである。この容器１によれば、規制空
間１３に送られて来たトナーＸが拡径部１ａに到達する
と、トナーＸは重力によって拡径部１ａに沿って滑りな
がら開口部６に向かって矢印Ｃ方向に移動するので、開
口部６の近傍におけるトナーＸの移動が円滑になり、ト
ナーＸは詰まることなく落下供給される。The container 1 shown in FIG. 12 has an open end whose diameter is enlarged in a funnel shape along the regulating part 11 of the lid 10, and an opening 6 is provided in the enlarged diameter part 1a. According to this container 1, when the toner X sent to the regulated space 13 reaches the enlarged diameter part 1a, the toner X slides along the enlarged diameter part 1a due to gravity and toward the opening 6 in the direction of arrow C. As a result, the toner X moves smoothly in the vicinity of the opening 6, and the toner X is dropped and supplied without clogging.

第１３図は、トナー搬送装置２０のフレーム２１を容器
１に沿って延長するとともに、円筒体２に螺旋状の突条
３と平行に外側に突出する突条３ａを設けたものである
。本実施例によれば、フレーム２１にこぼれたトナーが
、容器■の回転とともに突条３ａによって輸送管２３に
向かって掃き寄せられるので、トナーの飛散が防止され
るとともに、トナーを無駄に消費することがなく有効的
に利用することができる。In FIG. 13, the frame 21 of the toner conveying device 20 is extended along the container 1, and the cylindrical body 2 is provided with a protrusion 3a that protrudes outward in parallel with the helical protrusion 3. According to this embodiment, the toner spilled on the frame 21 is swept toward the transport pipe 23 by the protrusion 3a as the container (2) rotates, so that scattering of toner is prevented and toner is not wasted. It can be used effectively without any problems.

第１４図は、容器１の中に鋼球５０を収容した例を示す
。この場合、容器１の回転とともに螺旋突条３で持ち上
げられた鋼球５０が落下し、突条３の側部に生じるトナ
ー塊Ｘ°を粉砕するので、トナーの有効活用が図られる
とともに、螺旋溝４の搬送能力が維持される。FIG. 14 shows an example in which steel balls 50 are housed in the container 1. In this case, as the container 1 rotates, the steel ball 50 lifted by the spiral protrusion 3 falls and crushes the toner mass X° generated on the side of the protrusion 3. The conveying ability of the groove 4 is maintained.

第１５図は、容器１に入れる鋼球５０を磁性体で形成す
るとともに、その周囲に磁性粉５２を磁気吸着させたも
のである′。この場合、鋼球５０が円筒体２の内部で転
動しても、周囲の磁性粉５２に落下エネルギが吸収され
、円筒体２との衝突により発生する音が減少する。In FIG. 15, a steel ball 50 placed in a container 1 is made of a magnetic material, and magnetic powder 52 is magnetically attracted around the steel ball 50. In this case, even if the steel ball 50 rolls inside the cylindrical body 2, the falling energy is absorbed by the surrounding magnetic powder 52, and the sound generated by the collision with the cylindrical body 2 is reduced.

なお、以上の説明では、蓋１０を円錐状に形成すること
により開口部６に向かうに従って円筒体２における現像
剤の搬送空間を縮小するものとしたが、円筒体２の開放
側の断面を漸次縮小し、これにより同様の効果を得るよ
うにしてもよい。In the above description, the developer transport space in the cylindrical body 2 is reduced toward the opening 6 by forming the lid 10 in a conical shape. It may also be scaled down to achieve a similar effect.

（発明の効果） 以上の説明で明らかなように、本発明にかかる現像剤供
給容器では、円筒体の回転とともに螺旋溝に沿って内部
の現像剤が開口部に移動し、現像剤規制手段で移動量が
規制されるので、開口部まで移動する現像剤量は一定に
なる。したがって、円筒体の一回転当たりの開口部より
供給される現像剤量がほぼ一定になる。(Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the above description, in the developer supply container according to the present invention, the developer inside moves to the opening along the spiral groove as the cylindrical body rotates, and the developer regulating means moves the developer inside the container to the opening. Since the amount of movement is regulated, the amount of developer that moves to the opening remains constant. Therefore, the amount of developer supplied from the opening per rotation of the cylindrical body is approximately constant.

このため、現像剤の供給量は容器の回転回数と比例する
ので、容器の回転回数を管理することで現像剤供給量を
正確に管理することができる。加えて、開口の大きさ、
規制空間の広さ、回転速度を変化することによって供給
量を変化させ、より正確な管理も可能である。Therefore, since the amount of developer supplied is proportional to the number of times the container is rotated, the amount of developer supplied can be accurately managed by controlling the number of times the container is rotated. In addition, the size of the opening,
By changing the size of the regulated space and the rotation speed, the supply amount can be changed and more accurate management is possible.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief explanation of drawings]

第１図は現像剤供給容器の縦断面図、第２図は現像剤供
給容器の斜視図、第３図ば現像剤供給容器及びトナー搬
送装置の横断面図、第４図は現像剤供給容器及びトナー
搬送装置の縦断面図、第５図は本発明にかかる現像剤供
給容器の回転回数と一回転当たりの現像剤補給■との関
係を示す図、第６図は従来の現像剤供給容器の回転回数
と一回転当たりの現像剤補給量との関係を示す図、第７
〜９図は開閉カバーを取り付けた現像剤供給容器を示し
、第７図は部分斜視図、第８，９図は横断面図、第１０
．１１図は開閉カバーを取り付けた現像剤供給容器の別
の実施例を示し、第１ｏ図は現像剤供給容器の部分断面
図、第１１図は現像剤供給容器とトナー搬送装置の部分
断面図、第１２゜１３図は現像剤供給容器のその池の実
施例を示す断面図、第１４．１５図は球を内蔵した現像
剤供給容器の部分断面図である。 １・・・現像剤供給容器、２・・・円筒体、３・・・突
条、４・・・螺旋溝、６・・・開口部、１０・・・蓋、
１１・・・規制部、１３・・・規制空間、２０・・・ト
ナー搬送装置。 特許出願人　ミノルタカメラ株式会社 代理人　弁理士　前出　葆　ほか１名 第５図 第６図 容器ｒｉＪ転口牧 （ロ） 第１０図 とｔ ｌ）FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the developer supply container, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer supply container, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container and toner transport device, and FIG. 4 is a developer supply container. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of rotations of the developer supply container according to the present invention and developer supply per revolution, and FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toner conveying device. Figure 7 showing the relationship between the number of rotations and the amount of developer supplied per rotation.
Figures 1 to 9 show the developer supply container with the opening/closing cover attached, Figure 7 is a partial perspective view, Figures 8 and 9 are cross sectional views, and Figure 10 is a partial perspective view.
．． FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the developer supply container with an opening/closing cover attached, FIG. 1o is a partial sectional view of the developer supply container, FIG. Figures 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views showing an embodiment of the reservoir of the developer supply container, and Figures 14 and 15 are partial cross-sectional views of the developer supply container containing a ball. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Developer supply container, 2... Cylindrical body, 3... Projection, 4... Spiral groove, 6... Opening, 10... Lid,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11... Regulation part, 13... Regulation space, 20... Toner conveyance device. Patent Applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney: Mr. Sugimoto and one other person Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Container riJ Tenkuchi Maki (b) Fig. 10 and t l)

Claims (2)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] （１）一端側に開口部を有し内周面に沿って軸方向に延
在する螺旋溝を設けた円筒体を回転し、前記螺旋溝に沿
って搬送される現像剤を前記開口部を介して送り出す現
像剤供給容器において、前記開口部に向かうに従って前
記円筒体の現像剤搬送断面を縮小する規制手段を設けた
ことを特徴とする現像剤供給容器。(1) A cylindrical body having an opening at one end and a spiral groove extending in the axial direction along the inner peripheral surface is rotated, and the developer conveyed along the spiral groove is passed through the opening. 1. A developer supplying container that is fed through a developer supplying container, further comprising a regulating means that reduces a cross section of the cylindrical body for conveying the developer toward the opening. （２）前記規制手段が、前記円筒体の一端の内側に設け
た円錐状又は半球状若しくは半楕円球状の部材であるこ
とを特徴とする前記請求項１に記載の現像剤供給容器。(2) The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the regulating means is a conical, hemispherical, or semiellipsoidal member provided inside one end of the cylindrical body.
JP1138531A 1989-05-31 1989-05-31 Developer supply container Expired - Lifetime JP2926756B2 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP1138531A JP2926756B2 (en) 1989-05-31 1989-05-31 Developer supply container
DE19904017458 DE4017458A1 (en) 1989-05-31 1990-05-30 Developer feed appts. for copier, printer, facsimile appts. etc. - has regulator in container reducing cross=section near supply aperture
US07/777,721 US5296900A (en) 1989-05-31 1991-10-11 Substantially cylindrical developer supplying container for supplying approximately constant amounts of developer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP1138531A JP2926756B2 (en) 1989-05-31 1989-05-31 Developer supply container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH032881A true JPH032881A (en) 1991-01-09
JP2926756B2 JP2926756B2 (en) 1999-07-28

Family

ID=15224331

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP1138531A Expired - Lifetime JP2926756B2 (en) 1989-05-31 1989-05-31 Developer supply container

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2926756B2 (en)
DE (1) DE4017458A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5508794A (en) * 1993-03-03 1996-04-16 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Developer recycling system and developer cartridge therefor
JP2011064930A (en) * 2009-09-17 2011-03-31 Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc Toner bottle and image formation apparatus provided with the same
CN102591173A (en) * 2011-01-13 2012-07-18 夏普株式会社 Developer container and image forming apparatus
JP2016173515A (en) * 2015-03-18 2016-09-29 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image forming apparatus and developer storage container
JP2020193996A (en) * 2019-05-24 2020-12-03 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Developer supply container and image forming apparatus

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR940003109B1 (en) * 1991-04-17 1994-04-13 삼성전자 주식회사 Image recording apparatus
US5722020A (en) * 1995-12-12 1998-02-24 Konica Corporation Developer container and developer supplying apparatus
JP4422956B2 (en) * 2002-10-16 2010-03-03 キヤノン株式会社 Developer supply mechanism

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3160395A (en) * 1962-12-17 1964-12-08 St Joseph Lead Co Material processing device
US4615364A (en) * 1982-06-23 1986-10-07 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Developer incoming device in electrostatic reproducing apparatus
US4456154A (en) * 1982-08-16 1984-06-26 Xerox Corporation Toner loading cartridge
JPS60146265A (en) * 1984-01-09 1985-08-01 Ricoh Co Ltd Toner replenishing device in dry type copying machine
US4603714A (en) * 1985-03-18 1986-08-05 Xerox Corporation Toner bottle for copier/printing machines

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5508794A (en) * 1993-03-03 1996-04-16 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Developer recycling system and developer cartridge therefor
JP2011064930A (en) * 2009-09-17 2011-03-31 Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc Toner bottle and image formation apparatus provided with the same
CN102591173A (en) * 2011-01-13 2012-07-18 夏普株式会社 Developer container and image forming apparatus
JP2016173515A (en) * 2015-03-18 2016-09-29 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image forming apparatus and developer storage container
JP2020193996A (en) * 2019-05-24 2020-12-03 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Developer supply container and image forming apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2926756B2 (en) 1999-07-28
DE4017458A1 (en) 1990-12-06

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