WO1999009460A1 - Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same - Google Patents

Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same

Info

Publication number
WO1999009460A1
WO1999009460A1 PCT/JP1998/003678 JP9803678W WO9909460A1 WO 1999009460 A1 WO1999009460 A1 WO 1999009460A1 JP 9803678 W JP9803678 W JP 9803678W WO 9909460 A1 WO9909460 A1 WO 9909460A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toner
valve
valve element
valve body
discharge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP1998/003678
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Jun Sato
Hiroyuki Nakano
Shigeto Nishida
Laurens Last
Original Assignee
Showa Marutsutsu Co., Ltd.
Itsac N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP23886697A external-priority patent/JP3373143B2/en
Priority claimed from JP9327070A external-priority patent/JPH11143204A/en
Application filed by Showa Marutsutsu Co., Ltd., Itsac N.V. filed Critical Showa Marutsutsu Co., Ltd.
Priority to EP98938900A priority Critical patent/EP1006415A1/en
Priority to KR1020007001628A priority patent/KR20010023020A/en
Priority to CA002300202A priority patent/CA2300202A1/en
Publication of WO1999009460A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999009460A1/en

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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/10—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
    • G03G15/104—Preparing, mixing, transporting or dispensing developer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G03G15/0867—Arrangements for supplying new developer cylindrical developer cartridges, e.g. toner bottles for the developer replenishing opening
    • G03G15/0868—Toner cartridges fulfilling a continuous function within the electrographic apparatus during the use of the supplied developer material, e.g. toner discharge on demand, storing residual toner, acting as an active closure for the developer replenishing opening
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G03G15/0867—Arrangements for supplying new developer cylindrical developer cartridges, e.g. toner bottles for the developer replenishing opening
    • G03G15/087—Developer cartridges having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G03G15/0875—Arrangements for supplying new developer cartridges having a box like shape
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
    • G03G15/0881—Sealing of developer cartridges
    • G03G15/0886—Sealing of developer cartridges by mechanical means, e.g. shutter, plug
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G2215/0673—Generally vertically mounting of said toner cartridge parallel to its longitudinal rotational axis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G2215/0678—Bottle shaped container having a bottle neck for toner discharge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0682—Bag-type non-rigid container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toner cartridge for supplying powder or liquid toner (a printing ink) to a developing device such as a copying machine, a printer, a printing device, and the like, and an opening and closing structure of the toner passage. Things. Background art
  • Powder or liquid toner as an electrophotographic developer used in copiers, printers, printers, and the like is generally enclosed in a toner cartridge and supplied to an apparatus such as a copier. Then, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge to a toner storage tank of a copying machine or the like.
  • a sticker was attached to the toner discharge port and the seal was removed at the time of replenishment. However, once the seal was removed, the discharge port could not be closed again. .
  • a valve body is provided at a toner discharge port, and the valve body is urged in a closing direction by a spring (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-88078 (JP, A)). No. 7- 4 4 0 0 5. ( JP: A) Hei 8- 1 3 7 2 2 9 ( JP, A)).
  • JP Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-88078
  • JP Hei 8- 1 3 7 2 2 9
  • the spring may loosen, causing a small amount of toner leakage. .
  • the conventional toner container a container whose content does not change even when the toner is used, such as a hard synthetic resin, is mainly used.
  • the toner may remain in the toner container for a long time. In such a case, the air in the toner container and the toner come into contact with each other for a long period of time. Disclosure of the invention
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a toner power cartridge that can reliably and easily close a toner distribution port.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge which can prevent the deterioration of the toner in the toner container for a long time even in the case of sequentially supplying toner from the toner cartridge according to the toner consumption. To provide the same.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to make it possible to open and close the distribution port reliably and easily, and in particular, to supply only the toner consumption reduction in the developing device such as a copying machine sequentially from the toner cartridge.
  • Ru c to provide a toner cart Li Tsuji suitable method
  • the distribution port can be easily closed with a relatively simple structure, and, once the distribution port is closed, the closed state can be reliably maintained.
  • the company intends to provide a mechanism for opening and closing the power grid.
  • the present invention provides the following means in order to solve the above technical problems.
  • a toner cartridge including a toner container containing a powder or liquid toner for a developing device, and a connection portion for supplying toner from the toner container to the developing device.
  • the connecting portion has a flow opening, and the connecting portion opens a flow opening provided in the connecting portion when the valve operating portion of the developing device is in operation, and also opens the flow opening when the valve operating portion of the developing device is inactive.
  • a toner cartridge having a valve body for closing a mouth and discharging toner from an open circulation port is provided.
  • connection portion is a toner discharge portion when toner is discharged from the toner cartridge, and its distribution port is a toner discharge port.
  • toner When toner is charged, it becomes a toner charging section, and its distribution port is a toner charging port (the same applies hereinafter).
  • the toner container includes a contraction portion that contracts in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container.
  • a flow opening is opened by an operation of a valve element operating portion of the developing device, and the toner is opened.
  • One is replenished.
  • the valve element operating portion of the developing device is deactivated, the flow port is closed by the valve element, and leakage of toner from the flow port is prevented.
  • the operation of the valve element operating section may be, for example, moving the valve element while approaching or moving away from the valve element, or the valve element operating section itself may be stopped at a fixed position and the cartridge side may operate the valve element. It may be configured to change the valve body operating part to the operating state or the non-operating state by approaching and separating from the body operating part. This operation may be performed automatically or may be manually activated to switch between an active state and a non-active state.
  • the toner container since the toner container has a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container, the toner capacity of one toner container is increased as the toner is discharged. Contracts. This prevents air from entering the toner container.
  • the toner can be prevented from deteriorating even if toner is not replenished for a long period of time.
  • the toner is injected from a connection portion of the toner container from a contracted portion of the toner container.
  • the valve body has a main fitting portion that closes the flow opening by fitting into the flow opening, and a connecting portion that connects to the valve operating portion of the developing device.
  • the connecting portion moves together with the valve operating portion while being connected to the valve operating portion, and the main fitting portion and the flow port Provided is a device characterized by being fitted with the device.
  • the toner container is filled with the toner by injecting the toner from the connection portion from the contracted portion of the toner container, the toner container is filled with the toner.
  • the toner can be filled in the toner container from a state where almost no air is mixed.
  • a bouch when filling the inside, it is filled from a location separate from the outlet and sealed by heat welding. is there.
  • the filled contents may intervene in the heat-welded portion.
  • the content is a liquid or a granular material, if the filling amount is large, the content may reach the welded portion.
  • the toner can be filled in the toner container from a state in which almost no air is mixed in the toner container, so that the container can be almost completely filled with the toner. It can prevent toner deterioration even after long-term storage.
  • the valve body has a main fitting portion that closes the flow opening by fitting into the flow opening, and has a connecting portion that is connected to the valve body operating portion of the developing device.
  • the connecting portion moves together with the valve operating portion in a state where the connecting portion is connected to the valve operating portion, and the main fitting portion and the distribution port are connected.
  • the flow opening is formed by fitting the main fitting portion of the valve body with the flow opening (particularly, forced fitting performed by deforming the material of at least one of the two members to be fitted). Sealed tightly.
  • it is difficult to apply a spring or the like but the valve body is moved by connecting the connecting portion of the valve body and the valve body operating portion to realize the above-mentioned forced fitting. Things.
  • connection between the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion is a connection between the valve body and the valve body operating portion with a strength that allows the main fitting portion to be fitted to the distribution port, particularly the force fitting.
  • the connecting portion and the valve element operating portion are forcibly fitted, or a locking hole is provided on one side, and a projection engaging with this locking hole is provided on the other side. It is possible to exemplify a structure in which the two are joined together, or are screwed together with a screw, or furthermore, are connected with each other by a magnetic force.
  • the present invention is implemented by directly connecting the distribution port and a storage location such as a toner storage tank on the developing device side by a closed discharge path around a cylinder or the like.
  • a storage location such as a toner storage tank on the developing device side
  • the valve operating section on the developing device side is formed as a hollow cylinder, and the valve operating section itself also serves as a discharge path. What is necessary is just to implement it as what connects the valve body operation part and the inside of a toner container. Further, when the valve element operating part does not double as the discharge path, the closed discharge path such as a cylindrical shape may be applied to or fitted to the circulation port.
  • the toner container includes a second connection portion separate from the connection portion, and the second connection portion selectively performs the flow of air to the outside.
  • the toner cartridge is characterized in that the pressure inside the toner container is adjusted.
  • the pressure in the container can be adjusted, and the toner can be smoothly charged or discharged.
  • the toner container is filled with the toner by injecting the toner from the connection part, so that the toner is not allowed to flow out of the container after the toner container is filled with the toner.
  • the toner in the toner container is characterized in that the air in the toner container is discharged by an air discharging means for discharging the air.
  • the air in the container can be discharged, which is effective in adjusting the pressure in the container and preventing deterioration of the toner.
  • a toner cartridge connecting portion for supplying a toner of powder or liquid for a developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device, wherein the connecting portion has a flow opening.
  • Body a valve body that opens and closes the communication port by approaching and separating from the communication port, fixing means for fixing the valve element with the communication port closed, and opening the valve element by being connected to the valve element.
  • the present invention provides an opening / closing mechanism for a toner cartridge distribution port, comprising: a valve element operating unit that moves between a state and a closed state.
  • the connection portion when the supply of toner is required in a developing device such as a copying machine, the connection portion is opened and the toner is supplied by the operation of the valve operating portion.
  • the valve element operating section When the required amount is replenished, the valve element operating section is deactivated, the connection section is closed by the valve element, and leakage of toner from the connection section is prevented.
  • the operation of the valve body operating section may be, for example, moving the valve while approaching or moving away from the valve body, or the valve body operating section itself may be stopped at a fixed position and the cartridge side may operate the valve.
  • valve body operation unit may change whether the valve body operation unit is in the operation state or in the non-operation state.
  • This operation may be performed automatically, or may be manually activated to switch between an active state and a non-active state.
  • the valve body operation unit may be separate from the valve body, or may be integrated.
  • the toner container may have a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container, but may be a container that cannot be deformed, such as a hard synthetic resin. However, when the toner container is provided with a contraction portion, the toner container is contracted with the discharge of the toner. As a result, air can be prevented from entering the toner container, and the toner in the toner container can be prevented from being deteriorated even when toner is not supplied for a long time. There is.
  • the connection portion of the toner cartridge for supplying the toner or the toner for the developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device has a flow port.
  • a valve operating part is provided to move between an open state and a closed state.
  • the valve operating part is provided inside and outside the flow opening, and a valve body operating part arranged outside the flow opening is operated by a valve.
  • valve body and a valve operating portion for operating the valve body are a body, and the valve operating portion operates the valve working part.
  • the valve body operation unit is provided in the developing device, and the valve body operation unit is operated only when the development device needs to supply toner. And opening the valve element to close the valve element when the supply of toner is completed, thereby operating the valve rest operation section to close the valve element.
  • the valve is provided only when the developing device needs to supply the toner.
  • At least one of the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion is moved to relatively move the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion.
  • connection and disconnection of the connection portion of the toner cartridge and the valve element operation portion of the developing device can be more easily performed.
  • the toner cartridge according to each invention of the present application includes various developing and printing devices (hereinafter simply referred to as developing devices) such as a copier, a printer (a laser printer, a printer, a printer), and a printer. It refers to a cartridge for supplying powder or liquid toner (which carries a printing ink) to the printer.
  • this developing device has a storage tank for storing toner once, and a type in which the toner is dropped from the toner cartridge into the storage tank.
  • the present invention can be applied to any of those types.
  • the first and second inventions of the present application can reliably and easily open and close the discharge port.
  • only the toner consumption in the developing device can be sequentially reduced from the toner force to the trigger force.
  • a toner discharge path can be filled as a toner charging path, thereby providing a toner cartridge that can reliably and easily perform a destruction operation. It was something that could be done.
  • toner can be replenished by directly connecting the discharge port to the storage area such as the toner storage tank of the developing device, so that toner can be prevented from scattering inside the device and air entrapment during charging is also prevented. This makes it possible to replenish toner while maintaining high toner quality.
  • the contracted portion of the toner container contracts in accordance with the decrease in the toner, so that no space is generated in the toner container. That
  • the third invention of the present application provides the effects of the first and second inventions, in addition to the simple operation of the valve element operating portion of the developing device, without the need to bias the valve element by a spring or the like. Therefore, the fitting with the outlet can be surely achieved, and the simple closing and operation of the outlet can realize the reliable sealing of the outlet.
  • the toner container by filling the toner container with the toner by injecting the toner from the discharge portion from the state where the contracted portion of the toner container is contracted, the inside of the container can be almost completely filled with toner. It can prevent toner deterioration even after long-term storage, and can increase the filling speed.
  • the pressure inside the toner container can be adjusted, and the deterioration of the toner can be prevented by discharging the air inside the container.
  • connection portion can be easily closed with a relatively simple structure, and further, once the connection portion is closed, the closed state can be surely maintained.
  • a valve body and a valve operating unit for operating the valve body are formed as a body, and the valve operating unit can operate the valve operating unit.
  • the valve element is opened only when the developing device needs to supply the toner, and is closed when the supply is completed, so that the inflow of air into the toner container is more completely prevented. Can be prevented.
  • connection and disconnection of the connection portion of the toner cartridge and the valve element operation portion of the development device can be more easily performed by the operating member provided in the development device.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 Replacement form (Rule 26) 2A is a plan view of the discharge section of the cartridge
  • FIG. 2B is a longitudinal sectional view of the discharge section
  • FIG. 2C is a valve of a device such as a copying machine. It is sectional drawing of a body operation part.
  • FIG. 3 are cross-sectional views each showing a toner discharging step of the cartridge.
  • FIG. 4 are explanatory views of the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge discharge section according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a toner cartridge discharging portion according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge discharge unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A shows a closed state and FIG. 7B shows an open state.
  • FIGS. 8 (A), 8 (B), 9 (A), 9 (B), and 9 (C) are process explanatory diagrams each showing an operating state of the valve element.
  • FIG. 10 is a half cross-sectional view of a toner power cartridge discharge unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a discharge portion of a toner cartridge according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lever portion which is an operation member according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a slide lever portion which is an operation member according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram of an operation state thereof.
  • FIG. 16 is a plan view of a slide rehearser according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of the slide lever according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a side view of the slide lever according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an operation member according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the toner cartridge includes a toner container 1 containing powder or liquid toner for a developing device, and a discharge unit 2 for supplying toner from the toner container to the developing device for replenishment. Is provided.
  • the entire toner container 1 is a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container.
  • the entire toner container 1 is configured by a flexible bag called a bouch.
  • the bag material is a bag using a synthetic resin film, and the film may be a single film or a composite film in which a plurality of types of films are laminated. Further, a paper bag or cloth bag having a resin film layer formed on the inner surface may be used. Further, a so-called bag-in box in which these bags are stored in a container having higher rigidity than a film such as a paper box may be used.
  • the discharge unit 2 is provided at an appropriate position of the toner container 1.
  • the toner container 1 is a bouch in which the entire periphery is heat-sealed, so the force provided in the middle part of the heat-sealing part 11, the corner part 12, and the center part 1 of the bag 1 3 may be provided.
  • the discharge unit 2 includes a base 21 fixed to the toner container 1 by appropriate fixing means such as welding or adhesion, and a valve rest 3 provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the base.
  • the base portion 2] is formed with a conduction path 22 for conducting the inside and the outside of the toner container 1, and the conduction path 22 includes an outlet 23 closed by the valve 3.
  • the valve element 3 is provided inside the discharge port 23 (inside the toner container 1).
  • a main fitting portion 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the valve body 3 to close the discharge port 23 by fitting the discharge port 23. That is, in this example, the outer periphery of the valve body 3 is a main fitting portion, and the entire outlet 23 is a main receiving portion.
  • a connecting portion 32 is provided at the center of the valve body 3 to be forcibly fitted to the valve body operating section 4 of the developing device.
  • the distal end 41 of the valve element operating portion 4 is a sub-fitting portion, and the connecting portion 32 for receiving the distal end 41 of the valve element operating portion 4 as the sub-fitting portion is an auxiliary receiving portion. Then, at least one of the sub-receiving portion 32 and the sub-fitting portion 41 is deformed, and the fitting is performed as a forced fitting.
  • a constricted portion 41 a is provided at the distal end 41 of the valve body operating portion 4, and a ridge 33 a fitted to the constricted portion is connected. It is provided in the section 32.
  • the valve body 3 may be formed separately from the base 21 of the discharge part 2, but in this example, it is formed integrally and guided by the guide part 5.
  • the guide portion 5 includes columns 51, 51 provided on a base 21 and arms 52, 52 extending inward from the column 51.
  • the support 51 and the arm 52 may have a single pair of left and right forces, or three or more.
  • the proximal end of the arm 52 is rotatable with respect to the column 51, and the distal end of the arm 52 is rotatable with respect to the valve 3.
  • FIG. 2 when the valve body 3 is fitted into the discharge port 23, the distal end side of the arm portion 52 is lower than the base end side, and as shown in FIG.
  • the distal end side of the arm portion 52 is located above the base end side.
  • the struts 51, 51 are extended further upward than the arms 52, and between the stretched struts 51, 5 mm, the struts 53 are strong, and the struts 51, 51 are located above the arms 52. Passed to the location. The stopper 53 comes into contact with the valve body 3 when it comes to the upper position, and prevents any further rise. Stono 53 is not necessary.
  • valve element operation unit 4 in the developing device catches the amount of ink used in the toner storage section such as the popper or the developer for each sheet of paper of the developing device with a sensor, and is actuated each time to operate the cartridge. This is an instruction to discharge toner from the printer.
  • a sensor that detects a certain amount of toner loss and activates it to instruct toner to be discharged from the cartridge and replenish the toner equivalent to the amount of toner loss in the toner storage section such as a popper.
  • valve body 3 when the toner is required to be discharged, the valve body 3 is brought into the operating state by approaching the valve body 3, and when the toner is not required to be discharged, the valve body operating section is separated from the valve body 3 and becomes inactive state.
  • Reference numeral 4 denotes a force that can be implemented separately from the toner discharge path.
  • the valve element operation unit 4 also has a function of a toner discharge path.
  • valve element operation unit 4 is a shaft-shaped member that is inserted into the conduction path 22 of the discharge unit 2, and a toner discharge path 42 is provided inside the valve operation unit 4.
  • An opening 43 communicating from the outside 42 to the outside 43 is provided near the tip of the valve element operating section 4.
  • the distal end 41 of the valve body operating portion 4 is received by the connecting portion 32, and thus a constricted portion 41a is provided to be fitted to the ridge 33a of the connecting portion 32.
  • An opening 43 is formed at the base end side of the constricted portion 41a. That is, the opening portion 43 is an opening that allows conduction between the inside and outside of the toner container when the main fitting portion 31 of the valve body 3 and the discharge port 23 are disengaged (open state). Yes, in this example, it is located inside the discharge port 23 (inside the toner container) in the open state.
  • a sealing means such as a ring 44 is provided at an appropriate position on the outer periphery of the stem portion of the valve element operating section 4. With this sealing means, a seal is formed between the discharge section 2 and the conduction path 22. It is. Although this sealing means is not always necessary, the leakage of the toner that did not reach the discharge path 42 from the opening 43 can be completely eliminated by this sealing means.
  • the cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is set at a predetermined position of the developing device.
  • the valve body operation part 4 and the discharge part 2 are in a separated state as shown in FIG. 2, or as shown in FIG. 3 (A) and (B).
  • the valve body operation unit 4 and the discharge unit 2 are coupled with each other, so that the valve body 3 closes the toner discharge port 23.
  • the outlet 23 and the main fitting portion 31 are in a fitted state, but it is particularly preferable that the outlet 23 is deformed so that the diameter of the outlet 23 is enlarged.
  • the main fitting part 31 is in a forced fitting state in which force is inserted. It is sufficient that the forced fitting be performed if at least one of the force that can be achieved by the elastic deformation of the discharge port 23 and at least one of the discharge port 23 and the main fitting portion 31 is deformed.
  • the valve body operation part 4 approaches the valve body 3 and further rises, so that the discharge port 23 and the main fitting part 31 are disengaged from each other (see FIG. 3). (B) to (C)).
  • the connection between the discharge port 23 and the main fitting part 31 is disengaged, and at the same time, the connecting part 32 of the valve body 3 and the tip 41 of the valve body operating part 4 are fitted together.
  • the connection between the connecting part 32 of the force valve element 3 and the valve element operation part 4 is necessary for the closing operation of the valve element 3 and does not have to be performed for the opening operation.
  • the arm part 52 is carried, so that the state can be maintained.
  • the valve element 3 is in an open state apart from the toner discharge port 23, and furthermore, the opening section 4 3 of the valve element operation section 4 is positioned inside the discharge port 23.
  • the toner inside can be discharged to the outside from the toner discharge path 42.
  • the discharge unit 2 is provided at the lower part of the toner container 1, and the valve body operation unit 4 is lifted to open the container.
  • the toner is discharged from the opening 43 of the operation part 4 through the discharge path 42 to the toner storage part such as a hopper.
  • the toner container 1 is deformed in accordance with the amount of the toner inside the toner container 1 to maintain a state in which no air enters the inside.
  • the valve element operation unit 4 also has a function of a toner discharging path, toner can be supplied without involving external air when discharging the toner.
  • valve body operation unit 4 When the replenishment of the required amount of toner is completed, the valve body operation unit 4 is retracted, and the state shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 (A) or (B) is reached. That is, when the valve body operation unit 4 moves backward, the valve
  • the body operation part 4 is fitted with the connection part 32 of the valve body 3 and retreats together with the valve body 3. Then, the state shown in FIG. 3 (B), that is, the state where the discharge port 23 and the main fitting portion 31 are fitted to each other, is a closed state where the discharge of the toner is stopped. That is, the fitting force at which the tip 41 (sub-fitting part 4 1) of the valve element operating part 4 fits with the connecting part 32 (sub-receiving part 32) is equal to the main fitting part 31 and the outlet 23. (The main receiving part 23) is stronger than the force required to fit it, and when the valve operating part 4 and the connecting part 32 of the valve 3 are connected, the outlet 23 and the main fitting part 3 Forced mating with 1 is realized.
  • valve element operating section 4 when the valve element operating section 4 is retracted, the fitting between the valve element operating section 4 and the connecting portion 32 of the valve element 3 is released as shown in FIG. 3 (A), and as shown in FIG. Both 3 and 4 are separated.
  • the valve body operating section 4 force The retracting operation is performed in the state of being connected to the connecting section 32 of the valve body 3 so that the main fitting section 3 1 of the valve body 3 and the discharge outlet 23 are connected.
  • the fitting is realized.
  • the main fitting portion 31 and the discharge port 23 are fitted, the leakage of the toner is reliably prevented, and the discharge portion 2 can be integrally molded with synthetic resin. Manufacturing costs can be kept low, and toner can be discharged and non-discharge without leakage can be achieved only by the simple operation of the valve operating section 4 moving forward and backward. .
  • the connecting section 32 and the valve rest operating section 4 are connected (fitted).
  • the force at which the fitting between the fitting part 3 1 and the discharge port 23 is released At this stage, the connection (fitting) between the connecting part 32 and the valve element operating part 4 does not need to be completely performed.
  • the connection (fitting) may be performed when the valve element operation unit 4 of the developing device relatively shifts to the non-discharge state.
  • the connection between the connecting portion 32 and the valve body operating portion 4 is released. However, the connection between the two may be maintained.
  • connection between the connecting portion 32 and the valve element operating portion 4 is made when the cartridge is set in the developing device, this connection is maintained in the operation for each replenishment.
  • the valve 3 is opened and closed and the cartridge is removed from the developing device, the connection between the connecting part 32 and the valve operating part 4 is released.
  • FIG. 4 shows a modified example of the toner container.
  • the whole was a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container.
  • the shrinking portion 102 is provided in about half or more of the container.
  • the toner container 10] includes a contracting portion 102 and a non-contracting portion 103, and the discharging portion 2 is provided in the non-contracting portion 103.
  • the non-shrinkable portion 103 has a rigidity that is not crushed by the atmospheric pressure of a hard synthetic resin or the like.
  • the shrinking portion is made of a soft synthetic resin or the like, and has flexibility to be deformed by atmospheric pressure.
  • the contracted portion 102 has such a flexibility that it can be stuck inside the non-contracted portion 103, and due to the reduction in the amount of toner inside, it contracts without introducing air inside, Eventually, the contracted portion 102 is stuck inside the non-contracted portion 103 (a state in which the internal space is lost).
  • the non-shrinkage portion 112 of the toner container 111 shown in FIG. 4B is formed by a cylindrical body having a constant internal shape. Then, a contracted portion] 13 slidable with respect to the non-contracted portion 112 is fitted inside the non-contracted portion. In the toner container 1 1 1 1, the shrinking portion 1 1 3 slides in the axial direction, so that the content of the container shrinks, and the discharge portion 2 is provided in the non-shrinking portion 1 1 2 .
  • the outer periphery of the toner container can be constituted by the non-shrinkable members 104 and 114.
  • the non-shrinkable member 104 is arranged outside the shrinkable portion 102, and is connected or integrated with the non-shrinkable portion 103.
  • the air passage 105 is provided in the non-shrinkable member 104.
  • the non-shrinkable member 1] 4 is arranged outside the shrinkable portion 113 to be connected or integrated with the non-shrinkage portion 112.
  • the air passage 1 i 5 is provided in the non-shrinkable member 114.
  • FIG. 5 is an example in which the position of the opening 43 in the above embodiment is changed.
  • the opening 43 of the valve operating section 4 is located inside the outlet 23, and The force that allowed the toner inside to be discharged from the toner discharge path 42 to the outside.
  • the opening 43 of the valve element operation unit 4 is closed. It is located outside the outlet 23.
  • a connecting portion 13 1 having a smaller diameter than the discharge port 23 is provided between the tip 41 of the operation portion 4 and the opening 43 fitted to the connecting portion 32 of the valve body 3. It is a thing.
  • the communicating part 13 1 is located at the outlet 23, and the outlet 23 and the communicating part 1 are located. 3 Toner leaks through the gap. The toner that has flowed out flows out of the opening 43 through the toner discharge path 42 to the outside.
  • the relationship between the main fitting portion and the main receiving portion, the sub-fitting portion and the sub-receiving portion, and the relationship between the forcible fitting strengths thereof is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is an example in which the valve element 3 in the first embodiment is formed separately from the discharge section 2, and the main fitting section and the main receiving section, and the sub-fitting section and the sub-
  • a member for guiding the sliding of the valve element 3 is provided on the base 21 around the valve element 3.
  • a plurality of guide posts 1 2 1 are erected from the base 21. This allows the valve element 3 to move in the axial direction without being misaligned while being guided by the guide posts 121.
  • it is sufficient that the guide post 1 2 1 and the valve 3 are only in contact with each other, but the valve 3 is provided with a sliding hole through which the guide post 1 2 1 is slidably inserted.
  • the specific structure for guidance can be changed as appropriate.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view according to still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (A) shows a closed state and (B) shows an open state.
  • the stop 53 is provided between the columns 51 and 51, but in this example, the stop 53 is provided.
  • valve element 3 is connected by the base 21 and the two arms 14 1, 14 1.
  • This arm part 1 4 1 1 4 1 can be deformed from a state curved downward as shown in (A) to a state extended upward as shown in (B) Things. That is, the arm portions 141 and 141 have strength and flexibility that allow the valve body 3 to move up and down and can support it. Also in this example, the relationship between the main fitting portion and the main receiving portion, the sub-fitting portion and the sub-receiving portion, and the relationship between the forcible fitting strengths thereof is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment.
  • valve body 3 descends from the state shown in FIG. 7 (B) to the state shown in FIG.
  • connection portion 32 of the valve body 3 and the distal end 41 of the valve body operation portion 4 do not come off when closing the valve body 23 will be further described.
  • valve body operation unit 4 moves downward, the valve body 3 also moves downward.
  • the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 When the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 approaches the outlet 23 and enters the inside thereof, the lower end 3 e is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the outlet 23, and the lower end 3 e is connected to the outer peripheral surface thereof. From the inner center (radial direction). As a result, the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 receives a force from the inner peripheral surface of the discharge port 23 such that the inner diameter becomes smaller. As a result, the tip 41 of the valve element operating part 4 may be disengaged from the connecting part 32 of the valve element 3 due to a stronger fitting force with the connecting part 32 of the valve body 3. Is lost.
  • the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 is moved downward while reliably maintaining the state of engagement with the valve element 3, and the main fitting section 31 of the valve element 3 is moved out of the outlet 23. It can be securely fitted.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 show an enlarged main part of FIG.
  • FIG. 8 (A) shows a state in which the valve element 3 is fitted to the discharge port 23.
  • the valve element operation section 4 is located sufficiently below the valve element 3, so that Not shown.
  • the sealing surface 3 ⁇ of the outer peripheral portion of the valve element 3 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the discharge port 23, forming a highly airtight and liquid tight sealing state.
  • a valve body side shoulder 3 projecting outward at a lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 is engaged with an outlet side shoulder 23 a projecting inward at a lower portion of the outlet 23. This prevents the valve element 3 from accidentally coming off the discharge port 3.
  • the valve body operation section 4 moves up and enters the connecting section 32 in the valve body 3.
  • the outer diameter of the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 (particularly, the ridge projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the lower end 3 e). It is easy to enter because it is smaller than 33 a).
  • the outer diameter of the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 becomes larger as approaching the constricted portion 41a from the tip end thereof, and becomes larger than the inner diameter of the lower end 3e of the valve element 3.
  • the opening 43 of the valve body operation unit 4 is located inside the discharge port 23, and the toner can be discharged.
  • the outer diameter of the valve body side shoulder 3g of the lower end 3e of the valve body 3 is larger than the inner diameter of the discharge outlet 23. Therefore, when the valve element operating section 4 is further lowered, the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 and the force from the inner wall of the discharge port 23 are deformed inward by receiving the force from the inner wall of the discharge port 23, and a constricted portion of the valve element operating section 4 is formed. The lower end 3e of the valve element 3 enters the 41a. This movement increases as the valve operating section 4 is further lowered, and the constricted portion 41a of the valve operating section 4 and the lower end 3e of the valve 3 are more reliably engaged. As a result, it is possible to prevent the valve element 3 from coming off the valve element operation section 4 while the valve element operation section 4 is being lowered.
  • valve body operation section 4 when the valve body operation section 4 is lowered, the valve body 3 comes into contact with the end of the discharge port 23, and the lowering of the valve body 3 stops (see FIG. 9 (A)). Then, when the valve body operation part 4 is further lowered, the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 bulges outward, and the protruding ridge 33 a protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3. And the constricted portion 41a is disengaged (FIG. 8 (B)) and returns to the initial state (FIG. 8 (A)).
  • FIG. 0 is a perspective view of an essential part of a tonnage lever according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the discharge portion 201 is made of synthetic resin, has a substantially cylindrical base portion 202, and has a flange portion 203 provided at a lower end thereof.
  • the base 202 is fixed to the toner container 204 by heat welding or the like.
  • arms 205.205 that extend upward from both sides of the upper end of the base 202 and extend toward the center thereof are provided. These arms 205,205 A valve element 206 is continuously provided at the tip of the valve.
  • a discharge port 208 is provided at an inner peripheral portion of an upper end of the conduction path 207, and an engagement step portion 208 is provided at a lower end of the discharge port 208.
  • the main fitting portion 209 provided on the valve body 206 engages with this discharge port 208 (that is, the sub-fitting portion). That is, a main fitting portion 209 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the valve body 206, and the main fitting portion 209 is formed by the engagement step portion 210 of the discharge port 208.
  • the valve element 206 closes the discharge port 208 by engaging with 8a. At this time, the two arms 205 and 205 flex flexibly as the valve 206 moves up and down, and have sufficient strength to support the valve 206. are doing.
  • a connecting part 2 13 connected to the tip of the valve element operating part 211 for instructing toner discharge, and an inner peripheral surface of the connecting part 2 13 is provided.
  • an engagement step part 214 is formed in the circumferential direction.
  • valve element operation section 211 for replenishing the toner inside the toner container 204 is formed of a rod-shaped body, and a front end connection section 2 12 (sub-fitting section) is formed at the front end thereof. Therefore, it can be fitted into the connecting portion 2 13 (sub receiving portion) of the valve rest 206, and a lower portion of the distal end connecting portion 212 has an engaging step portion 2 of the valve element 206. Engagement grooves 2 15 engaging with 14 are formed in the circumferential direction.
  • This valve element operating part 211 also serves as a toner discharging means.
  • a toner discharging path 215 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the central part thereof.
  • An opening is provided slightly below the leading end connecting part 211.
  • a plurality of portions 2 16 are formed in the circumferential direction.
  • the lower part of these openings 216 is formed to have a slightly larger outer diameter than the upper part thereof, and through the step part 217, the inner diameter of the conduction path 207 of the discharge part 201 is almost equal to the inner diameter. They are formed with the same outer diameter.
  • the valve element operating portion 211 rises to a state where the step portion 217 formed entirely in the circumferential direction is in contact with the lower end of the discharge port 208. As a result, the valve body 206 is pushed up, and the opening portion 216 enters the inside of the toner container from the discharge port 208, so that the toner can be discharged (see FIG. 10). Status) .
  • valve element operation section 2 1 1 retreats from the conduction path 2 07 of the discharge section 2
  • FIG. 11 is an explanatory perspective view of a main part of a toner cartridge according to still another embodiment.
  • valve element operating section was provided with a toner discharge path, but in this example, the valve element operating section is not provided with a toner discharging path.
  • the discharge portion 301 is made of synthetic resin, is provided around the toner container 302, has a substantially cylindrical base portion 303, and has a flange portion 3 at its lower end portion. 0 4 is provided.
  • This base portion 303 is heat-welded to the peripheral portion of the toner container 302.
  • a conductive path 305 communicating between the inside and the outside of the toner container 302 is formed to penetrate the base 303.
  • an arm 3 06 ; 3 0 6 is formed, and the arms 3 0 6 extend upward from the upper portion of the base 3 0 3, respectively.
  • a valve element 307 is continuously provided at a tip end of the arm portions 306, 306 extending in the center direction.
  • the valve element 307 has a substantially spherical shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the valve element 307 serves as the main fitting portion 311.
  • the conduction path 305 is provided in the up-down direction, and the upper end of the conduction path 305 is provided at the main fitting portion of the valve element 307.
  • 3 1] is formed so as to be able to be fitted and received in an airtight manner, and the discharge port 3 08 is formed so that its inner diameter gradually increases upward.
  • the surface is formed so as to be inclined.
  • the both arms 306, 306 flex flexibly as the valve element 307 moves up and down, and have sufficient strength to support the valve element 307.
  • a rod-shaped valve operating section 309 is provided.
  • a guide plate 3100 is provided at an intermediate portion of the valve operating portion 3109 so that the guide plate 311 ⁇ has the effect of centering the valve operating portion 3109. 09 appropriately guides the inside of the conductive path 3 05, and the guide plate 3 10 also serves to seal the conductive path 3 05 while the valve operating section 3 09 is pushed in. be able to.
  • the outer diameter of the guide ⁇ 310 is the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the conduction path 305, the outer periphery of the guide plate 310 comes into close contact with the conduction path 305, so that the valve
  • the operating part 309 moves up and down, the valve operating part 309 is reliably guided with the function of centering, and the conduction path 309 is provided during the vertical movement of the valve operating part 309. It also acts as a lid by sealing 5.
  • the guide plate 310 when the outer diameter of the guide ⁇ 310 is larger than the inner diameter of the conduction path 305, the guide plate 310 needs to be formed from a material having flexible elasticity.
  • guide plate 310 may be either rigid or elastic.
  • valve element operating section on the developing device side is not shown in this example, but it suffices to operate the valve operating section 309 up and down.
  • a member that can be fitted to the lower end of the valve operating portion 309 may be a valve body operating portion, and the valve operating portion in the fitted state may be moved up and down to move up and down.
  • the toner discharge path on the developing device side is only required to be able to receive the toner discharged from the conduction path 305.
  • the mouth of the discharge path is not shown in FIG. 11, but may be a cylindrical body having a connection hole through which toner can be discharged.
  • 01 may be of a type that fits inside the conduction path 3 05, or may be adapted to cover the outside of the outer periphery of the flange 304 at the lower end of the discharge section 301. It may be of the type.
  • valve body operating section to be operated is provided at the tip of the tubular body, and that a space through which toner can pass must be provided between the pressing body and the tubular body.
  • the valve element operation section that operates the valve operation section 309 must be formed inside the connection hole below the upper end of the cylindrical body. Further, a space through which the toner can pass must be formed between the pressing body and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body.
  • the toner may be discharged from the conduction path 305 to the toner storage tank of the apparatus without passing through a restricted conduction path such as a cylindrical body.
  • the method of discharging the toner according to this embodiment is as follows.
  • valve operating section 309 is engaged with the valve operating section of the device, and in this state, the valve operating section 309 is pushed upward. As a result, the valve operating portion 309 moves upward, and the valve element 307 which has been airtightly fitted to the discharge port 308 is separated from the discharge port 308 to discharge the toner inside. Is done.
  • the main fitting portion 311 of the valve body 307 is fitted to the discharge port 308 by the reverse movement, and the discharge of the toner is stopped. At that time, even during the movement of the discharging operation, the guide plate 310 prevents the excessive toner from being discharged.
  • valve operating portion 309 is formed integrally with the valve element 307, but both may be provided so as to be separable.
  • the valve operating section 309 and the valve element 307 can be implemented as being connected by fitting or the like.
  • the structure of this fitting can be the same as the fitting of the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion in the embodiment of FIG.
  • valve operating section 309 constitutes a part of the valve element 307, and the connecting portion of the device to the valve element operating section is a valve operating section. It will be provided at an appropriate place such as the lower end of the moving part.
  • the configuration of the valve element operating section of the device is the same as that of the valve operating section 309, and the valve element operating section and the valve element 3107 having the same form as the valve operating section 309 are shown in FIG. Of the connection part and the valve body operation part in the embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment.
  • the entire toner container 401 is formed of a hard thermoplastic resin. It should be noted that other materials such as hard synthetic resins and metals having a strength that does not deform due to the atmospheric pressure can be appropriately selected and used.
  • the discharge unit 2 may be the same as that described in each of the above embodiments, and is provided at an appropriate position of the toner container 401.
  • the toner container 401 can have an appropriate shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, a column, or the like. In this example, a force, a corner 4 1 2 and side 4 1 3 etc.
  • the toner container 401 is mounted on an apparatus such as a copying machine such that the force V discharge unit 2 (not shown) is located at the lower end. Then, as in the previous example, the valve operating section is raised to open. Therefore, the toner is discharged by a natural fall from the opening of the valve element operating section through the discharge path to a toner storage section such as a hopper.
  • a toner storage section such as a hopper.
  • an air inlet (not shown) or the like is provided at an appropriate position in the toner container 401 to increase the pressure inside the toner container 401, and the internal pressure is increased. Should be discharged. In the case of natural fall, it is not necessary to increase the internal pressure. However, an air inlet (not shown) may be provided to prevent the internal pressure from lowering. Further, a transport screw or an agitator may be provided in the toner container 401 so that the toner is smoothly supplied to the mechanical discharge unit 2.
  • the present invention can be embodied as each of the above embodiments, but it is particularly advantageous to implement the present invention as the following configuration. That is, in a toner cartridge including a toner container for accommodating a powder or a granular toner for a developing device and a discharge unit for replenishing toner from the toner container to the developing device, the toner container includes a toner container. It has a shrinking part that shrinks according to the amount of toner in the container.
  • the toner container has a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with the amount of toner in the toner container, the toner container shrinks in response to the discharge of the toner in the toner container. Toner can be discharged without air. As a result, the quality of the toner inside is kept good.
  • the inside of the toner container and the toner storage section are sealed.
  • the toner can be filled into the toner container by various methods. Although it is possible, a more desirable filling condition can be easily obtained by taking the reverse procedure of discharging when filling.
  • the toner discharge path may be implemented as a charging path of the toner charging device.
  • the valve element operation unit serves as a nozzle for charging the toner charging device.
  • the toner discharge path such as a cylindrical body may be filled as the toner charging path.
  • the charging path may have a form such as a cylindrical body that can fill the conduction path 305.
  • the mouth of the charging path is It may be a cylindrical member having a connection hole in which toner can be filled.
  • the contraction portion of the toner container is completely contracted and the toner is filled from a state in which substantially no air remains in the container, there is no need to release or suck the air in the container at the time of filling.
  • the filling speed can be increased.
  • the arm of each embodiment is always urged downward (in the direction in which the valve body closes the discharge port). May be used.
  • the guide plate 310 may be provided in a valve body operating section of another embodiment, and may be implemented. When discharging the toner, the toner can be positively discharged by applying a pressure to the contracted portion of the toner container from the outside with a force that can be discharged by natural fall.
  • means for positively promoting the discharge of the toner means for externally applying pressure to the contracted portion of the toner container by a device for applying a mechanical force such as a piston can be shown. Further, the toner can be sucked by a pump provided in the developing device. In any case, in addition to the natural fall, a means for positively promoting the discharge of toner from the toner container by mechanical or fluid pressure can be added.
  • the toner discharge path may be implemented as a charging path of the toner charging device.
  • the valve operating unit in each of the above embodiments can be a filling nozzle of the toner filling device. That is, the toner charging device (
  • the toner container 61 may be a toner container 1 having a contraction portion similar to that of the above-described embodiment.
  • the toner container 6 does not have a contraction portion and has a rigidity that does not deform due to atmospheric pressure.
  • a high toner container 401 may be used.
  • the discharge unit 2 of the toner container 61 is used as a toner charging path, and the valve element operation unit 4 is used as a nozzle for charging the toner charging device. Fill within 1.
  • a valve element operating section 603 having the same form as the valve element operating section 4 of each of the above embodiments is connected to the second discharge section 602.
  • the air in the toner container 601 is released from the second discharge part 602 through the valve element operation part 603.
  • the pressure in the toner container 600 can be kept constant.
  • the air is discharged using the second discharge section 602 or the valve element operation section 603 provided with a means for preventing the outflow of the toner by, for example, arranging a filter in the flow path. It is also desirable to do so.
  • air may be naturally discharged from the toner container 61 by suction means (not shown) such as a pump, in addition to the natural flow. That is, as a suction nozzle connected to a suction means such as a pump, a valve body operation section 603 is adopted, and a toner container 6001 is passed from the second discharge section 602 through the valve body operation section 603. The air inside is sucked by the suction means.
  • Air can also be exhausted from the toner container. This can be carried out following the above-mentioned discharging of air during the filling or in a separate step.
  • the toner container can be implemented as a toner container not using the second discharge portion 602 (for example, a toner container 1 having only one discharge portion 2 shown in FIG. 1).
  • the valve element operation part 4 for filling from the toner container after removing the valve element operation part 4 for filling from the toner container], connect the valve element operation part 60 3 connected to the suction means to the discharge part 2 and perform the suction operation. I do.
  • a filter is provided in the discharge section 2, it becomes difficult to discharge the toner. Therefore, the filter is disposed in the valve operating section 603 connected to the suction means, and the toner is discharged. It is preferable to provide a means for preventing the occurrence of blemishes.
  • the suction of the air in the toner container is performed in the same manner as in the case of the toner container 1 having a contracting portion, the force suitable for being carried out, and the highly viscous toner container 401 having a strength not deformed by atmospheric pressure.
  • the air in the toner is discharged during and after filling the toner in the toner container, and the air pressure in the toner container is adjusted.
  • air and other fluids can flow into the toner container using the second discharge portion.
  • such discharge and inflow of the fluid can be performed during transfer of the toner container or after the toner container is set in the developing device.
  • the first discharge portion is discharged from the toner container. It can also be performed during the operation of discharging the toner through. Therefore, the second discharge unit can be used as needed for adjusting the pressure and the atmosphere in the toner container.
  • an operation member such as a lever spring provided on a developing device side such as a copying machine together with a valve rest operation section is provided on a toner container.
  • valve body operation unit 4 is fixed to a toner storage unit of a developing device such as a copying machine in a state where an opening 42 c at a lower end thereof is conductive. More specifically, a support portion 45 is formed on the end side of the opening 42c of the valve body operation portion 4.
  • a slide-type lever 501 is formed as an operating member for attaching and detaching the valve element 3 on the discharge section 2 side and the valve element operation section 4.
  • an elongated hole 503 extending in the sliding direction is formed.
  • the valve body operation part 4 is arranged so as to penetrate vertically.
  • a flat portion 504 along the periphery of the elongated hole 503, there is a flat portion 504, and the rearward from the flat portion 504 (in the right direction in FIG. 14, in other words, in the direction away from the valve element operation portion 4).
  • a gradually rising slope portion 505 is formed.
  • the flat portion 504 is large enough to mount the flange portion 24 at the lower end of the discharge portion 2, and as shown in FIG.
  • the flange portion 24 of the discharge portion 2 is in contact with the flat portion 504 in a state where the flat portion 504 is fitted.
  • a finger hook portion 506 for pushing the lever 501 to slide is formed, and a spring receiver 507 is provided below the finger hook portion 506.
  • a spring receiver 47 is also formed in a portion of the support part 45 of the valve element operation part 4 facing the spring receiver 507, and a spring is provided between the spring receivers 507 and 47. 508 is coordinated.
  • This spring 508 has a lever
  • the attached toner container is in a free state, and can be taken out of a developing device such as a copying machine by hand. Also, if the finger is removed from the finger hook part 506 after the ejection part 2 has come off from the valve element operation part 4, the lever -501 will be retracted to the initial state by the biasing force of the spring 508. .
  • guided pieces 509 and 509 are provided on both sides of the lever 501 so as to surely slide the lever 501. It is provided facing downward.
  • the guided pieces 509 and 509 are slidably fitted in guide grooves (not shown) provided in a developing device such as a copying machine, and are inserted into guide grooves (not shown). Then, lever 501 slides back and forth.
  • valve body operation unit 4 is fixed to the developing device side, and a mechanism for moving the discharge unit 2 so as to approach and separate from the valve body operation unit 4 is provided.
  • a lever 501 provided with a slope for moving the discharge unit 2 is provided as an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve element operation unit 4.
  • a spring 508 is used to activate 01.
  • the spring 507 is not always necessary, and the lever 501 may be moved back and forth by hand.
  • the lever 501 may be moved by a driven developing device such as an electric motor or an air cylinder.
  • the lever 501 may move up and down in addition to moving back and forth, and may lift the discharge unit 2 by applying the principle of leverage.
  • the spring may be directly operated on the discharge unit 2 and used to push up the discharge unit 2.
  • a member that supports an appropriate portion such as the flange portion 24 of the discharge unit 2 so as to be movable up and down may be used as an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve element operation unit 4.
  • the operating member is not simply used to separate the discharge section 2 from the valve element operating section 4 but is moved to make the discharge section 2 approach the valve element operating section 4. It can also be activated.
  • the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 are in a state where the valve body 3 of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 are separated, and the valve body 3 of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit In addition to the state in which the part 4 is completely fitted, the fitting between the valve body 3 of the discharge part 2 and the valve body operating part 4 is not completely separated.
  • the distance between the discharge part 2 and the valve body operation part 4 is selected so that these three states can be selected, and the discharge part is provided to the valve body operation part 4. It becomes easy to make 2 approach and separate.
  • an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 moves at least one of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4, and moves the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 together. It is only necessary that the and move relative to each other. Therefore, in the above example, the discharge unit 2 is moved, but on the contrary, the discharge unit 2 may be fixed and the valve body operation unit 4 may be moved. That is, as a second example of attachment / detachment, in order to open and close the discharge unit 2 provided in the toner container, the discharge unit 2 is fixed to a fixed position, and the valve operating unit is manually or automatically moved to discharge the toner. An example in which the part 2 is connected to or disconnected from the valve body operation part 4 will be described. FIG.
  • the discharge unit 2 is fixed immovably up and down by a fixing member 511 provided on the developing device side such as a copying machine.
  • a force is shown in which the flange portion 24 is forcibly fitted into the insertion hole provided in the fixing member 5 1 1 and fixed immovably up and down.
  • a deformed portion is used as a toner container. If a rigid body is used, it can be fixed by pressing the upper and lower ends. Further, the discharge unit 2 or the toner container may be fixed by a mechanical developing device such as a chuck, and a fixing method that cannot be moved up and down may employ appropriate means.
  • valve body operation unit 4 is provided in the developing device so as to be able to move up and down.
  • the valve body operation unit 4 is provided in the developing device so as to be able to move up and down.
  • FIG. 19 shows a state in which the valve body 3 of the discharge section 2 and the valve body operation section 4 are fitted. By pushing down the handle 5 14 from this fitted state, the valve body operation section 4 is moved. Slides downward, and the valve element operating section 4 comes off the valve element 3 of the discharge section 2.
  • the valve body operation section 4 was manually moved using the handle.
  • a member provided with a slope may be used, and the air cylinder ⁇ automatically operated by a mechanical developing device such as an electric motor. You may make it move.
  • the attachment / detachment of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 is performed by connecting the valve body 3 and the valve body operation unit 4 of the discharge unit 2 to each other. Not only means the transition between the two states of the engaged state and the unconnected state, but also the half-connected state in between (the connection between the valve body 3 and the valve operating section 4 is not separated However, the valve 3 is closed).
  • the transition between the connected state and the semi-connected state and the transition between the semi-connected state and the non-connected state are performed.
  • the actuating member may be one that assists or at least completes at least one of these transitions. Therefore, for example, the operation member may perform only the transition from the connected state to the non-connected state, and may not perform the transition from the non-connected state to the connected state.
  • the invention of the present application is intended for use in developing devices such as copiers and printers and printers. (Including a printing ink), and can be used in a structure for opening and closing a toner flow port.
  • the present invention is not limited to the toner container described above, and can be applied to supply containers for many other types of liquids, powders, granules, and the like, and to the opening / closing structure of the circulation port. .

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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Wet Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

A toner cartridge capable of opening and closing a toner discharge port thereof reliably and easily even when only a decrease in quantity caused by the consumption of the toner in an apparatus such as a copier is replenished from the toner cartridge thereto in order, and preventing the deterioration of the toner quality in a toner container for a long period of time, wherein the interior of a toner container (204) is filled with toner by injecting the toner thereinto from a discharge section (201) thereof; and a mechanism for opening and closing the communication port of the cartridge, wherein a valve disc (206) in the toner discharge section (201) has a main locking section (209) adapted to be fitted in a discharge port (208) to thereby close the same, and a joint section (213) adapted to be joined to a valve disc operating section (211) of the apparatus such as a copier. When this section (211) is moved down to cause the joint section (213) to be moved therewith in a state connected thereto, whereby the main locking portion (209) and discharge port (208) are engaged with each other, so that the discharge port is reliably closed.

Description

明 細 書 トナー力一トリ ッジ及びトナーカートリ ッジの流通口の開閉機構 技術分野  Description Opening / closing mechanism for toner toner cartridge and toner cartridge
本願発明は、 複写機やプリ ンター、 印刷器等の現像装置に粉体又は液体の トナ 一 （印刷ィンクを舍む） を供給するためのトナーカートリ ッジ及びそのトナー流 通口の開閉構造に関するものである。 背景技術  The present invention relates to a toner cartridge for supplying powder or liquid toner (a printing ink) to a developing device such as a copying machine, a printer, a printing device, and the like, and an opening and closing structure of the toner passage. Things. Background art
複写機やプリ ンター、 印刷器等に用いられる電子写真用現像剤としての粉体又 は液体のトナ一は、 一般にトナーカートリ ッジに封入して複写機等の装置に捕給 される。 そして、 このトナーカートリ ッジから複写機等のトナー貯溜槽内にトナ 一が補給される。 そのための構成として、 トナーの排出口に、 シールを貼り、 補 給時にシールを剝がすものが用いられていたが、 このものは、 一度シールを剝が すと再度排出口を閉じることができない。  Powder or liquid toner as an electrophotographic developer used in copiers, printers, printers, and the like is generally enclosed in a toner cartridge and supplied to an apparatus such as a copier. Then, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge to a toner storage tank of a copying machine or the like. As a configuration for this purpose, a sticker was attached to the toner discharge port and the seal was removed at the time of replenishment. However, once the seal was removed, the discharge port could not be closed again. .
また、 トナーの排出口に、 弁体を設け、 この弁体をバネで閉鎖方向に付勢した ものが提案されている （特開昭 6 0— 8 0 8 7 8 ( J P , A ) 、 特開平 7— 4 4 0 0 5 ( J P : A ) . 特開平 8— 1 3 7 2 2 9 ( J P , A ) ) 。 ところ力く、 トナ 一容器内にバネを設ける必要があり、 構造が複雑化すると共に、 トナーカツ トリ ッジの移送時に大きな振動を受けると、 バネが緩んで微量ながら トナーの漏れが 生ずるおそがある。 Further, a valve body is provided at a toner discharge port, and the valve body is urged in a closing direction by a spring (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-88078 (JP, A)). No. 7- 4 4 0 0 5. ( JP: A) Hei 8- 1 3 7 2 2 9 ( JP, A)). However, it is necessary to provide a spring inside the toner container, which complicates the structure, and if the toner cartridge is subjected to large vibrations during transfer, the spring may loosen, causing a small amount of toner leakage. .
さらに、 上記の特開平 7— 4 4 0 0 5 ( J P , A ) にあっては、 トナーの使用 前には弁体を排出口に嵌合しておく ことにより排出口を閉じ、 使用に際しては弁 体を押し上げて開くことによって、 排出口を開くようにしたものが開示されてい る。 ところが、 このものは、 排出口を一旦開くと、 嵌合状態に戻すことができな いため、 途中で排出口を完全に閉じることができない。 そのため、 トナーの消費  Further, in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-44005 (JP, A), before the toner is used, the discharge port is closed by fitting the valve body to the discharge port, and when the toner is used, It is disclosed that a discharge port is opened by pushing up and opening a valve body. However, once the outlet is opened, it cannot be returned to the fitted state, so the outlet cannot be completely closed on the way. Therefore, toner consumption
1 差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) 量に応じてトナー力一トリ ッジから トナーを順次補給すると言った形式の場合に は、 非嵌合状態の排出口から トナーが徐々に漏れ出すおそれが生ずる。 また、 こ の特開平 7 - 4 4 0 0 5 ( J P ; A ) にあっては、 排出口と弁体との閉鎖状態を 磁力によつて維持するものが提案されているが、 磁石と言つた別部材を装着する 必要があり、 製作コス 卜の上昇は免れない。 1 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) In the case of the type in which the toner is replenished sequentially from the toner cartridge according to the amount, there is a possibility that the toner gradually leaks from the discharge port in the non-fitting state. Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-44005 (JP ; A), a device that maintains the closed state of the discharge port and the valve element by magnetic force has been proposed. It is necessary to attach a separate member, which increases production costs.
また、 従来のトナー容器は、 硬質の合成樹脂等、 トナーの使用によっても内容 量が変化しないものが主として用いられていた。 ところ力 トナーの消費量に応 じて トナー力一トリ ッジから トナーを順次補給すると言った形式の場合には、 ト ナー容器内にトナーが長期間残存する場合がある。 このような場合には、 トナー 容器内の空気と 卜ナ一とが長期間接触した状態となるため、 トナーの変質が生じ 易いと言った課題がある。 発明の開示  Further, in the conventional toner container, a container whose content does not change even when the toner is used, such as a hard synthetic resin, is mainly used. However, in the case where the toner is replenished sequentially from the toner cartridge according to the amount of toner consumed, the toner may remain in the toner container for a long time. In such a case, the air in the toner container and the toner come into contact with each other for a long period of time. Disclosure of the invention
上記の事情に鑑み、 本願発明は、 トナーの流通口の閉鎖が確実且つ容易に行う ことのできる トナー力一トリ ッジの提供を図らんとするものである。  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a toner power cartridge that can reliably and easily close a toner distribution port.
本願発明の他の目的は、 トナーの消費量に応じて トナーカートリ ッジから トナ 一を順次補給すると言った形式の場合にも、 トナー容器内のトナーの変質を長期 間防止し得る トナーカートリ ッジを提供することにある。  Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge which can prevent the deterioration of the toner in the toner container for a long time even in the case of sequentially supplying toner from the toner cartridge according to the toner consumption. To provide the same.
本願発明のさらに他の目的は、 流通口の開閉を確実且つ容易に行うことができ 、 特に、 複写機等の現像装置における トナーの消費減量のみを、 トナー力一トリ ッジから順次補給する補給方式に適したトナーカートリ ツジを提供することにあ る c Still another object of the present invention is to make it possible to open and close the distribution port reliably and easily, and in particular, to supply only the toner consumption reduction in the developing device such as a copying machine sequentially from the toner cartridge. near Ru c to provide a toner cart Li Tsuji suitable method
さらに、 本願発明は、 流通口の閉鎖を比較的簡単な構造で、 容易に行うことが でき、 しかも、 一旦流通口が閉鎖されたならば、 確実のその閉鎖状態を維持する ことがてきる トナー力一トリ ッジの流通口の開閉機構を提供せんとするものであ る。  Further, according to the present invention, the distribution port can be easily closed with a relatively simple structure, and, once the distribution port is closed, the closed state can be reliably maintained. The company intends to provide a mechanism for opening and closing the power grid.
本願発明は、 上記の技術的課題を解决するために、 下記の手段を提供する。  The present invention provides the following means in order to solve the above technical problems.
2 Two
差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) 本願の第 1の発明は、 現像装置用の粉体又は液体のトナーを収納した トナー容 器と、 このトナー容器から現像装置に トナーを供給するための接続部とを備えた トナーカートリ ッジにおいて、 接続部が流通口を備え、 さらにこの接続部が現像 装置の弁体操作部の作動状態において接続部に設けられた流通口を開くと共に、 現像装置の弁体操作部の非作動状態において流通口を閉じる弁体を備え、 開いた 流通口からトナーが排出されるものであることを特徴とする トナー力一トリ ッジ を提供する。 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge including a toner container containing a powder or liquid toner for a developing device, and a connection portion for supplying toner from the toner container to the developing device. The connecting portion has a flow opening, and the connecting portion opens a flow opening provided in the connecting portion when the valve operating portion of the developing device is in operation, and also opens the flow opening when the valve operating portion of the developing device is inactive. A toner cartridge having a valve body for closing a mouth and discharging toner from an open circulation port is provided.
ここで、 接続部というのは、 トナーカートリ ッジから トナーが排出されるとき には、 トナーの排出部となり、 その流通口はトナーの排出口となるものであり、 トナー力一トリ ッジに トナ一が充塡されるときには、 トナ一の充塡部となり、 そ の流通口はトナーの充塡口となるものである （以下同じ） 。  Here, the connection portion is a toner discharge portion when toner is discharged from the toner cartridge, and its distribution port is a toner discharge port. When toner is charged, it becomes a toner charging section, and its distribution port is a toner charging port (the same applies hereinafter).
本願の第 2の発明は、 上記の第 1の発明に係る トナーカートリ ツジおいて、 ト ナ一容器が、 トナー容器内のトナーの減量に応じて収縮する収縮部を備えたこと を特徴とするものを提供する。  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the toner cartridge according to the first aspect, the toner container includes a contraction portion that contracts in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container. Provide things.
本願の第 1、 第 2の発明にあっては、 複写機等の現像装置においてトナーの供 袷が必要となった際、 現像装置の弁体操作部の作動によって、 流通口が開いてト ナ一が補給される。 必要量が補給されると、 現像装置の弁体操作部が非作動状態 となって、 流通口が弁体によって閉じられ、 流通口からのトナーの漏れが防止さ れる。 弁体操作部の作動は、 例えば、 弁体に接近離反して、 弁体を動かすもので あってもよく、 或いは、 弁体操作部自体は一定の位置に停止したままで、 カート リッジ側が弁体操作部に接近離反して、 弁体操作部を作動状態にするか、 非作動 状態にするかを変更するものであってもよい。 この作動は、 自動的に行われるも のであってもよく、 或いは、 人の手で動かして作動状態と非作動状態とを切り換 えるものであってもよい。  According to the first and second inventions of the present application, when it is necessary to supply toner in a developing device such as a copying machine, a flow opening is opened by an operation of a valve element operating portion of the developing device, and the toner is opened. One is replenished. When the required amount is replenished, the valve element operating portion of the developing device is deactivated, the flow port is closed by the valve element, and leakage of toner from the flow port is prevented. The operation of the valve element operating section may be, for example, moving the valve element while approaching or moving away from the valve element, or the valve element operating section itself may be stopped at a fixed position and the cartridge side may operate the valve element. It may be configured to change the valve body operating part to the operating state or the non-operating state by approaching and separating from the body operating part. This operation may be performed automatically or may be manually activated to switch between an active state and a non-active state.
そして、 本願の第 2の発明にあっては、 トナー容器が、 トナー容器内のトナー の減量に応じて収縮する収縮部を備えているため、 トナーの排出に伴って、 トナ 一容器の内容量が収縮する。 これにより、 トナー容器内に、 空気が混入すること  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the toner container has a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container, the toner capacity of one toner container is increased as the toner is discharged. Contracts. This prevents air from entering the toner container.
3 差替え用紙 (規則 26) を防止することができ、 長期間トナ一の補給が行われないままであっても、 トナ —容器内のトナーの変質を防止することができるものである。 3 Replacement form (Rule 26) The toner can be prevented from deteriorating even if toner is not replenished for a long period of time.
また、 本願の第 3の発明は、 上記の第 2の発明に係る トナーカートリ ッジにお いて、 トナー容器の収縮部が収縮した状態から、 トナーを接続部から注入するこ とにより、 トナー容器内がトナーによって満たされたものであり、 弁体が、 流通 口に嵌合することによって流通口を閉じる主嵌合部を有し、 且つ、 現像装置の弁 体操作部と連結する連結部を有し、 現像装置の弁体操作部が非排出状態に相対的 に移行する際、 連結部が弁体操作部と連結された状態で弁体操作部と共に移行し て主嵌合部と流通口との嵌合がなされるものであることを特徴とするものを提供 する。  Further, according to a third invention of the present application, in the toner cartridge according to the second invention described above, the toner is injected from a connection portion of the toner container from a contracted portion of the toner container. The valve body has a main fitting portion that closes the flow opening by fitting into the flow opening, and a connecting portion that connects to the valve operating portion of the developing device. When the valve operating portion of the developing device relatively shifts to the non-discharge state, the connecting portion moves together with the valve operating portion while being connected to the valve operating portion, and the main fitting portion and the flow port Provided is a device characterized by being fitted with the device.
本願の第 3の発明にあっては、 トナー容器の収縮部が収縮した状態から、 トナ 一を接続部から注入することにより、 トナー容器内がトナーによって満たされた ものであるため、 トナー容器内に、 空気が殆ど混入していない状態から、 トナー をトナー容器内に充塡することができる。 例えば、 バウチと呼ばれる柔軟な合成 樹脂袋にあっては、 その内部に内容物を充塡する場合、 排出口とは別個の箇所か ら充塡を行い、 熱溶着によって封をしているものである。 具体的には、 充塡され た内容物が熱溶着部分に介在するおそれがある。 例えば、 内容物が液体や粉粒体 の場合には、 充塡量が多くなると、 溶着部分にまで、 その内容物が達してしまう ことがある。 特に、 粉体の場合には、 浮遊した粉体が溶着部分に介在する場合も ある。 このような場合には、 充分な溶着ができないおそれがあり、 特に、 液体の 場合には、 液体を介在した状態で熱溶着を行うと、 温度変化によって液体が膨張 し、 充分な熱溶着ができないおそれが高くなる。 そのため、 充塡された内容物と 合成樹脂袋の熱溶着部分との間に充分な間隔を開ける必要が生ずる。 その結果、 容器内に内容物を完全に満たすことが困難であり、 空気が残った状態での密封と なる。 これに対して、 この発明では、 トナー容器内に、 空気が殆ど混入していな い状態から、 トナーを トナー容器内に充塡することができるため、 容器内をほぼ 完全にトナーで満たすことができ、 長期保存しても トナーの変質を防止し得る。  In the third invention of the present application, since the toner container is filled with the toner by injecting the toner from the connection portion from the contracted portion of the toner container, the toner container is filled with the toner. In addition, the toner can be filled in the toner container from a state where almost no air is mixed. For example, in the case of a flexible synthetic resin bag called a bouch, when filling the inside, it is filled from a location separate from the outlet and sealed by heat welding. is there. Specifically, the filled contents may intervene in the heat-welded portion. For example, when the content is a liquid or a granular material, if the filling amount is large, the content may reach the welded portion. In particular, in the case of powder, floating powder may intervene in the welded portion. In such a case, sufficient welding may not be possible.Especially, in the case of liquid, if heat welding is performed with the liquid interposed, the liquid expands due to temperature change and sufficient heat welding cannot be performed. The risk increases. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sufficient space between the filled contents and the heat-welded portion of the synthetic resin bag. As a result, it is difficult to completely fill the contents of the container, and sealing is performed with air remaining. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the toner can be filled in the toner container from a state in which almost no air is mixed in the toner container, so that the container can be almost completely filled with the toner. It can prevent toner deterioration even after long-term storage.
4 Four
差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) しかも、 トナー容器の収縮部を完全に収縮させて容器内に実質的に空気が残って 、ない状態から充塡を行うため、 充塡時に容器内の空気を逃がしたり吸引したり する必要がなく、 充塡速度の高速化を図ることができる。 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) In addition, since the contraction portion of the toner container is completely contracted and air is substantially left in the container, and filling is performed from a state where there is no air, there is no need to release or suck air in the container at the time of filling. The charging speed can be increased.
さらに、 本願の第 3の発明では、 弁体が、 流通口に嵌合することによって流通 口を閉じる主嵌合部を有し、 且つ、 現像装置の弁体操作部と連結する連結部を有 し、 現像装置の弁体操作部が非排出状態に相対的に移行する際、 連結部が弁体操 作部と連結された状態で弁体操作部と共に移行して主嵌合部と流通口との嵌合が なされるものである。 従って、 弁体の主嵌合部と流通口との嵌合 （特に、 嵌合す る 2つの部材の内、 少なくとも一方の部材の素材を変形させて行われる強制嵌合 ) によって、 流通口が強固に封される。 しかも、 この嵌合をなすためには、 バネ 等の付勢では困難であるところ、 弁体の連結部と弁体操作部との連結によって弁 体を移動させ、 上記の強制嵌合を実現させるものである。  Further, in the third invention of the present application, the valve body has a main fitting portion that closes the flow opening by fitting into the flow opening, and has a connecting portion that is connected to the valve body operating portion of the developing device. However, when the valve operating portion of the developing device relatively shifts to the non-discharge state, the connecting portion moves together with the valve operating portion in a state where the connecting portion is connected to the valve operating portion, and the main fitting portion and the distribution port are connected. Are fitted. Therefore, the flow opening is formed by fitting the main fitting portion of the valve body with the flow opening (particularly, forced fitting performed by deforming the material of at least one of the two members to be fitted). Sealed tightly. Moreover, in order to make this fitting, it is difficult to apply a spring or the like, but the valve body is moved by connecting the connecting portion of the valve body and the valve body operating portion to realize the above-mentioned forced fitting. Things.
従って、 連結部と弁体操作部との連結は、 主嵌合部と流通口との嵌合、 特に強 制嵌合が可能な強度で弁体と弁体操作部とが連結するものであればよい。 そのた めの具体的な手段としては、 連結部と弁体操作部が強制嵌合するものとしたり、 或いは、 一方に係止孔を設け、 この係止孔に係合する突起を他方に設けるものと したり、 或いは、 ねじによって螺合させたり、 さらには磁力によって両者を連結 させたりするものを例示し得るものである。  Therefore, the connection between the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion is a connection between the valve body and the valve body operating portion with a strength that allows the main fitting portion to be fitted to the distribution port, particularly the force fitting. I just need. As a specific means for this purpose, the connecting portion and the valve element operating portion are forcibly fitted, or a locking hole is provided on one side, and a projection engaging with this locking hole is provided on the other side. It is possible to exemplify a structure in which the two are joined together, or are screwed together with a screw, or furthermore, are connected with each other by a magnetic force.
尚、 本願の第 1、 第 2、 第 3の発明において、 流通口と現像装置側のトナー貯 溜槽等の貯溜箇所とを、 筒状等の周囲の閉ざされた排出経路によって直結させて 実施することが、 装置内における トナーの飛散防止の点、 並びに、 現像装置側の トナー貯溜槽等の貯溜箇所へ外部の空気を巻き込むことなく導入することができ る点で、 有利である。 そのための具体的な手段としては、 現像装置側の弁体操作 部を中空の筒状として、 弁体操作部自体が排出経路を兼ねるものとして、 弁体が 開いた状態で、 中空の筒状の弁体操作部と トナー容器内とが導通するものとして 実施すればよい。 また、 弁体操作部が排出経路を兼ねない場合には、 流通口に筒 状等の周囲の閉ざされた排出経路を当てがつたり、 嵌合させたりすればよい。  In the first, second and third inventions of the present application, the present invention is implemented by directly connecting the distribution port and a storage location such as a toner storage tank on the developing device side by a closed discharge path around a cylinder or the like. This is advantageous in that toner can be prevented from being scattered in the apparatus, and that outside air can be introduced into a storage location such as a toner storage tank on the developing device side without being involved. As a specific means for this purpose, the valve operating section on the developing device side is formed as a hollow cylinder, and the valve operating section itself also serves as a discharge path. What is necessary is just to implement it as what connects the valve body operation part and the inside of a toner container. Further, when the valve element operating part does not double as the discharge path, the closed discharge path such as a cylindrical shape may be applied to or fitted to the circulation port.
5 差替え用紙 (規則 26) 本願の第 4の発明においては、 上記それぞれの発明において、 トナー容器が、 上記の接続部と別個の第 2接続部を備え、 この第 2接続部が外部との空気の流通 を選択的に行うことによって、 トナ一容器内の圧力調整がなされるものであるこ とを特徴とする トナーカートリ ッジである。 5 Replacement form (Rule 26) In a fourth invention of the present application, in each of the above inventions, the toner container includes a second connection portion separate from the connection portion, and the second connection portion selectively performs the flow of air to the outside. Thus, the toner cartridge is characterized in that the pressure inside the toner container is adjusted.
この第 4の発明により、 トナー容器内にトナーを充塡する場合、 或いはトナー を排出する場合、 容器内の圧力調整を行い、 円滑なトナーの充塡又は排出を行う ことができる。  According to the fourth aspect, when the toner is filled in the toner container or when the toner is discharged, the pressure in the container can be adjusted, and the toner can be smoothly charged or discharged.
本願の第 5の発明においては、 上記のそれぞれの発明において、 トナー容器が 、 トナーを接続部から注入することにより、 トナー容器内がトナーによって満た された後に、 トナーの流出を許さずに容器内の空気の流出を行う空気の排出手段 によって、 トナー容器内の空気の排出がなされたものであることを特徴とする ト ナ一力一トリツジである。  In the fifth invention of the present application, in each of the above inventions, the toner container is filled with the toner by injecting the toner from the connection part, so that the toner is not allowed to flow out of the container after the toner container is filled with the toner. The toner in the toner container is characterized in that the air in the toner container is discharged by an air discharging means for discharging the air.
この第 5の発明においても、 トナーが充塡された後に、 容器内の空気の排出を 行うことができ、 容器内の圧力調整と共に、 トナーの変質の防止に効果を発揮す る。  Also in the fifth invention, after the toner is filled, the air in the container can be discharged, which is effective in adjusting the pressure in the container and preventing deterioration of the toner.
本願の第 6の発明は、 トナーカートリ ッジから現像装置用の粉体又は液体のト ナーを、 現像装置に供給するためのトナーカートリ ッジの接続部において、 接続部が、 流通口を備えた本体と、 この流通口に接近離反して流通口を開閉す る弁体と、 流通口を閉じた状態で弁体を固定する固定手段と、 弁体に接続される ことにより弁体を開状態と閉状態との間で移動させる弁体操作部とを備えたこと を特徴とする トナーカートリ ッジの流通口の開閉機構を提供する。  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge connecting portion for supplying a toner of powder or liquid for a developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device, wherein the connecting portion has a flow opening. Body, a valve body that opens and closes the communication port by approaching and separating from the communication port, fixing means for fixing the valve element with the communication port closed, and opening the valve element by being connected to the valve element. The present invention provides an opening / closing mechanism for a toner cartridge distribution port, comprising: a valve element operating unit that moves between a state and a closed state.
本願の第 6の発明にあっては、 複写機等の現像装置においてトナーの供給が必 要となった際、 弁体操作部の作動によって、 接続部が開いてトナーが補給される 。 必要量が補給されると、 弁体操作部が非作動状態となって、 接続部が弁体によ つて閉じられ、 接続部からの トナーの漏れが防止される。 弁体操作部の作動は、 例えば、 弁体に接近離反して、 弁を動かすものであってもよく、 或いは、 弁体操 作部自体は一定の位置に停止したままで、 カートリ ッジ側が弁体操作部に接近離  In the sixth invention of the present application, when the supply of toner is required in a developing device such as a copying machine, the connection portion is opened and the toner is supplied by the operation of the valve operating portion. When the required amount is replenished, the valve element operating section is deactivated, the connection section is closed by the valve element, and leakage of toner from the connection section is prevented. The operation of the valve body operating section may be, for example, moving the valve while approaching or moving away from the valve body, or the valve body operating section itself may be stopped at a fixed position and the cartridge side may operate the valve. Approaching / separating body control unit
6 差替え用紙 (規則 26) 反して、 弁体操作部を作動状態にするか、 非作動状態にするかを変更するもので あってもよい。 この作動は、 自動的に行われるものであってもよく、 或いは、 人 の手で動かして作動状態と非作動状態とを切り換えるものであってもよい。 また 、 弁体操作部は、 弁体と別体であってもよく、 一体としてもよい。 トナー容器は 、 トナー容器内のトナーの減量に応じて収縮する収縮部を備えているものとして もよいが、 硬質の合成樹脂等のように、 変形が不可能な容器としてもよい。 但し 、 収縮部を備えたものとした場合には、 トナーの排出に伴って、 トナー容器の内 容量が収縮する。 これにより、 トナー容器内に、 空気が混入することを防止する ことができ、 長期間トナーの補給が行われないままであっても、 トナー容器内の トナーの変質を防止することができるという利点がある。 6 Replacement form (Rule 26) Conversely, it may be possible to change whether the valve body operation unit is in the operation state or in the non-operation state. This operation may be performed automatically, or may be manually activated to switch between an active state and a non-active state. Further, the valve body operation unit may be separate from the valve body, or may be integrated. The toner container may have a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container, but may be a container that cannot be deformed, such as a hard synthetic resin. However, when the toner container is provided with a contraction portion, the toner container is contracted with the discharge of the toner. As a result, air can be prevented from entering the toner container, and the toner in the toner container can be prevented from being deteriorated even when toner is not supplied for a long time. There is.
本願の第 7の発明においては、 トナーカートリ ッジから現像装置用の粉体又は 液体のトナーを、 現像装置に供給するためのトナーカートリ ツジの接続部におい て、 接続部が、 流通口を備えた本体と、 この流通口に接近離反して流通口を開閉 する弁体と、 流通口を閉じた状態で弁体を固定する固定手段と、 弁体と一体に設 けられることにより弁体を開状態と閉状態との間で移動させる弁作動部を備え、 この弁作動部が流通口の内外に渡って設けられると共に、 流通口の外部に配位さ れた弁体操作部が弁作動部を動かすことによって、 弁体を開状態と閉状態との間 で移動させるものであることを特徴とする トナー力一トリ ッジの流通口の開閉機 構である。  In the seventh invention of the present application, in the connection portion of the toner cartridge for supplying the toner or the toner for the developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device, the connection portion has a flow port. A valve body that opens and closes the flow port by approaching and separating from the flow port; fixing means for fixing the valve element with the flow port closed; A valve operating part is provided to move between an open state and a closed state. The valve operating part is provided inside and outside the flow opening, and a valve body operating part arranged outside the flow opening is operated by a valve. A valve opening / closing mechanism for moving a valve member between an open state and a closed state by moving a part thereof.
この第 7の発明においては、 弁体とこの弁体を作動させる弁作動部とがー体と なったものであり、 この弁作賺カ部を弁体操作部が作動させるものである。  In the seventh aspect of the invention, the valve body and a valve operating portion for operating the valve body are a body, and the valve operating portion operates the valve working part.
本願の第 8の発明においては、 上記第 6又は第 7の発明において、 弁体操作部 が現像装置に設けられ、 現像装置がトナーの供給を必要とするときにのみ、 弁体 操作部が作動して弁体を開状態とし、 トナーの供給が終わつたとき弁休操作部が 作動して弁体を閉状態とすることを特徴とするトナーカートリ ッジの流通口の開 閉機構である。  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the valve body operation unit is provided in the developing device, and the valve body operation unit is operated only when the development device needs to supply toner. And opening the valve element to close the valve element when the supply of toner is completed, thereby operating the valve rest operation section to close the valve element.
この第 8の発明により、 現像装置がトナーの供給を必要とするときにのみ、 弁  According to the eighth aspect, the valve is provided only when the developing device needs to supply the toner.
7 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 体が開放され、 その供給が終わると閉鎖され、 トナー容器内への空気の流入をよ り完全に防止することができる。 7 Replacement form (Rule 26) The body is opened and closed when its supply is finished, which can more completely prevent air from flowing into the toner container.
本願の第 9の発明においては、 上記第 6乃至第 8の発明において、 接続部と弁 体操作部との少なくとも何れか一方を移動させることにより、 接続部と弁体操作 部とを相対的に接近及び/又は離反させる動作部材を現像装置に設け、 この動作 部材を手動又は自動で作動させることを特徴とする トナー力一トリッジの流通口 の開閉機構である。  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth to eighth aspects, at least one of the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion is moved to relatively move the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion. An opening / closing mechanism for a toner cartridge opening, wherein an operating member for approaching and / or separating is provided in a developing device, and the operating member is operated manually or automatically.
この第 9の発明の動作部材により、 トナー力一トリ ッジの接続部と現像装置側 の弁体操作部との連結及び非連結がより簡単に行われることとなる。  With the operating member according to the ninth aspect, connection and disconnection of the connection portion of the toner cartridge and the valve element operation portion of the developing device can be more easily performed.
尚、 本願の各発明に係る トナーカートリ ッジは、 複写機やプリ ンター （レーザ 一プリ ンターゃィ ンクジヱッ トフ。リ ンター） 、 印刷器等の各種の現像印刷装置 （ 以下、 単に現像装置という） に粉体又は液体のトナー （印刷ィ ンクを舍む） を供 給するためのカートリ ッジを意味するものである。 また、 この現像装置には、 一 旦、 トナーを貯溜する貯溜槽を有し、 トナーカートリ ッジから貯溜槽にトナーを 捕袷する形式のものや、 装置自体には貯溜槽がなく、 トナーカートリージ自体が 貯溜槽として機能する形式のもの等があるが、 その何れの形式のものに対しても 、 本願発明は適用し得るものである。  In addition, the toner cartridge according to each invention of the present application includes various developing and printing devices (hereinafter simply referred to as developing devices) such as a copier, a printer (a laser printer, a printer, a printer), and a printer. It refers to a cartridge for supplying powder or liquid toner (which carries a printing ink) to the printer. Further, this developing device has a storage tank for storing toner once, and a type in which the toner is dropped from the toner cartridge into the storage tank. Although there is a type in which the leak itself functions as a storage tank, the present invention can be applied to any of those types.
しかして本願の第 1 > 第 2の発明は、 排出口の開閉を確実且つ容易に行うこと ができ、 特に、 現像装置におけるトナーの消費減量のみを、 トナー力一トリ ッジ 力、ら順次補給することができ、 更に、 トナーの排出経路を、 トナーの充塡経路と して充塡することができるため、 充壞作業も確実且つ容易に行うことができる ト ナ一カートリ ッジを提供することができたものである。 また、 現像装置のトナー 貯溜槽等の貯溜箇所に、 排出口を直結してトナーを補給することによって-、 トナ —の装置内での飛散を防止でき、 充塡時の空気の巻き込みをも防止でき、 トナー の高品質を維持したトナ一の補給が可能となるものである。  Thus, the first and second inventions of the present application can reliably and easily open and close the discharge port. In particular, only the toner consumption in the developing device can be sequentially reduced from the toner force to the trigger force. And a toner discharge path can be filled as a toner charging path, thereby providing a toner cartridge that can reliably and easily perform a destruction operation. It was something that could be done. In addition, toner can be replenished by directly connecting the discharge port to the storage area such as the toner storage tank of the developing device, so that toner can be prevented from scattering inside the device and air entrapment during charging is also prevented. This makes it possible to replenish toner while maintaining high toner quality.
さらに、 本願の第 2の発明は、 上記の効果に加え、 トナー容器の収縮部がトナ 一の減量に応じて収縮するため、 トナー容器内に空間が生ずることがない。 その  Further, according to the second invention of the present application, in addition to the above effects, the contracted portion of the toner container contracts in accordance with the decrease in the toner, so that no space is generated in the toner container. That
8 差替え用紙 （規貝リ26) ため、 トナーが空気に接触することを防止でき、 トナー容器内のトナーの変質を 長期間防止し得るものである。 8 Replacement paper (26) Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner from coming into contact with air, and to prevent deterioration of the toner in the toner container for a long time.
本願の第 3の発明は、 第 1 ; 第 2の発明の効果に加え、 弁体をスプリ ング等に よって付勢しておかなくても、 現像装置の弁体操作部の単純な動きのみで、 確実 に排出口との嵌合が可能となり、 単純な構造及び作動によって、 確実な排出口の 密閉を実現することができるものである。 また、 トナー容器の収縮部が収縮した 状態から、 トナーを排出部から注入することにより、 トナー容器内をトナーによ つて満たすようにすることによって、 容器内をほぼ完全にトナ一で満たすことが でき、 長期保存しても トナーの変質を防止でき、 充塡速度の高速化を図ることが できるものである。  The third invention of the present application provides the effects of the first and second inventions, in addition to the simple operation of the valve element operating portion of the developing device, without the need to bias the valve element by a spring or the like. Therefore, the fitting with the outlet can be surely achieved, and the simple closing and operation of the outlet can realize the reliable sealing of the outlet. In addition, by filling the toner container with the toner by injecting the toner from the discharge portion from the state where the contracted portion of the toner container is contracted, the inside of the container can be almost completely filled with toner. It can prevent toner deterioration even after long-term storage, and can increase the filling speed.
本願の第 4及び第 5の発明においては、 トナー容器内の圧力調整が可能となり 、 かつ容器内部の空気の排出により、 トナーの変質をも防止できる。  In the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the pressure inside the toner container can be adjusted, and the deterioration of the toner can be prevented by discharging the air inside the container.
本願の第 6の発明は、 接続部の閉鎖を比較的簡単な構造で、 容易に行うことが でき、 しかも、 一旦接続部が閉鎖されたならば、 確実のその閉鎖状態を維持する ことがてきる トナーカートリ ッジの接続部の開閉機構を提供することができたも のである。  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the connection portion can be easily closed with a relatively simple structure, and further, once the connection portion is closed, the closed state can be surely maintained. Thus, it was possible to provide a mechanism for opening and closing the connection portion of the toner cartridge.
本願の第 7の発明は、 弁体とこの弁体を作動させる弁作動部とがー体となった ものであり、 この弁作動部を弁体操作部が作動できるものである。  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a valve body and a valve operating unit for operating the valve body are formed as a body, and the valve operating unit can operate the valve operating unit.
太願の第 8の発明は、 現像装置がトナーの供給を必要とするときにのみ、 弁体 が開放され、 その供袷が終わると閉鎖され、 トナー容器内への空気の流入をより 完全に防止することができる。  According to the eighth invention of the petition, the valve element is opened only when the developing device needs to supply the toner, and is closed when the supply is completed, so that the inflow of air into the toner container is more completely prevented. Can be prevented.
本願の第 9の発明は. 現像装置に設けられた動作部材により、 トナーカートリ ッジの接続部と現像装置側の弁体操作部との連結及び非連結がより簡単に行われ る。 図面の簡単な説明  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, connection and disconnection of the connection portion of the toner cartridge and the valve element operation portion of the development device can be more easily performed by the operating member provided in the development device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
図 1は、 本願発明の実施の形態に係るトナー力一トリ ッジの正面図である。  FIG. 1 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 図 2の （A) は同カートリ ッジの排出部の平面図であり、 図 2の （B) は排出 部の縦断面図であり、 図 2の （C) は複写機等の装置の弁体操作部の断面図であ る。 9 Replacement form (Rule 26) 2A is a plan view of the discharge section of the cartridge, FIG. 2B is a longitudinal sectional view of the discharge section, and FIG. 2C is a valve of a device such as a copying machine. It is sectional drawing of a body operation part.
図 3の （A) (B) (C) は、 各々、 同カートリ ッジの トナー排出工程を示す 断面図である。  (A), (B), and (C) of FIG. 3 are cross-sectional views each showing a toner discharging step of the cartridge.
図 4の （A) (B) は、 各々、. 本願発明の他の実施の形態に係る トナーカート リ ッジの内部構造説明図である。  (A) and (B) of FIG. 4 are explanatory views of the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
図 5は、 本願発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る トナーカートリ ツジの排出部 の斜視図である。  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge discharge section according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
図 6は、 本願発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る トナーカートリ ッジの排出部 の断面図である。  FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a toner cartridge discharging portion according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
図 7は、 本願発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る トナーカートリ ッジの排出部 の断面図であり、 （A) は閉状態を示し、 （B) は開状態を示す。  FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge discharge unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A shows a closed state and FIG. 7B shows an open state.
図 8 (A) 、 図 8 (B) 、 図 9 (A) 、 図 9 (B) 、 図 9 (C) は、 それぞれ 弁体の作動状態を示す工程説明図である。  FIGS. 8 (A), 8 (B), 9 (A), 9 (B), and 9 (C) are process explanatory diagrams each showing an operating state of the valve element.
図 1 0は、 本願発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る トナー力一トリ ッジの排出 部の半断面図である。  FIG. 10 is a half cross-sectional view of a toner power cartridge discharge unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
図 1 1は、 本願発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る トナーカートリ ッジの排出 部の斜視図である。  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a discharge portion of a toner cartridge according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
図 1 2は、 本願発明のさらに実施の形態に係る トナ一カートリ ッジの斜視図で ある。  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
図 1 3は、 本願発明の他の実施形態に係る トナーカートリ ッジの正面図である 図 1 4は、 本願発明の実施形態に係る動作部材であるスライ ドレバーの部分を 示す説明図である。  FIG. 13 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lever portion which is an operation member according to the embodiment of the present invention.
図 1 5は、 本願発明の実施形態に係る動作部材であるスライ ドレバーの部分を 示し、 その作動状態の説明図である。  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a slide lever portion which is an operation member according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram of an operation state thereof.
1 0 Ten
差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) 図 1 6は、 本願発明の実施形態に係るスライ ドレハーの平面図である。 図〗 7は、 本願発明の実施形態に係るスライ ドレバーの正面図である。 図 1 8は、 本願発明の実施形態に係るスラィ ドレバーの側面図である。 図 1 9は、 本願発明の他の実施形態に係る動作部材の説明図である。 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) FIG. 16 is a plan view of a slide rehearser according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view of the slide lever according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a side view of the slide lever according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an operation member according to another embodiment of the present invention.
1 1 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 発明を実施するための最良の形態 1 1 Replacement Form (Rule 26) BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
以下、 添付の図面と共に本願発明を実施するための最良の形態を示す。  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
まず、 図 1乃至図 3を中心に参照して、 第 1の実施の形態に係る トナーカート リ ッジについて説明する。  First, a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.
この卜ナ一力一トリ ッジは、 現像装置用の粉体又は液体のトナーを収納したト ナー容器 1 と、 このトナー容器から現像装置にトナーを供給して補給するための 排出部 2とを備える。  The toner cartridge includes a toner container 1 containing powder or liquid toner for a developing device, and a discharge unit 2 for supplying toner from the toner container to the developing device for replenishment. Is provided.
トナー容器 1は、 この実施の形態では、 全体がトナー容器内のトナーの減量に 応じて収縮する収縮部となっており、 具体的には、 バウチと呼ばれる柔軟な袋に よって全体が構成されている。 袋の素材としては、 合成樹脂フィルムを用いた袋 で、 フィルムとしては単体フィルムでもよく複数種類のフィルムを積層した複合 フィルムであってもよい。 また、 内面に樹脂フィルム層を形成した紙袋若しくは 布袋としてもよい。 さらに、 これらの袋を、 紙箱等のフィルムより剛性の高い容 器内に収納した所謂バッグィ ンボックスであってもよい。  In this embodiment, the entire toner container 1 is a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container. Specifically, the entire toner container 1 is configured by a flexible bag called a bouch. I have. The bag material is a bag using a synthetic resin film, and the film may be a single film or a composite film in which a plurality of types of films are laminated. Further, a paper bag or cloth bag having a resin film layer formed on the inner surface may be used. Further, a so-called bag-in box in which these bags are stored in a container having higher rigidity than a film such as a paper box may be used.
次に、 排出部 2は、 このトナー容器 1の適宜箇所に設けられる。 図 1の例では 、 トナー容器 1は、 その全周をヒートシールしたバウチであるため、 そのヒート シール部分 1 1の中間部分に設けられている力、 角部分 1 2や、 袋の中央部分 1 3に設けてもよい。  Next, the discharge unit 2 is provided at an appropriate position of the toner container 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the toner container 1 is a bouch in which the entire periphery is heat-sealed, so the force provided in the middle part of the heat-sealing part 11, the corner part 12, and the center part 1 of the bag 1 3 may be provided.
次に、 排出部 2は、 トナー容器 1に溶着や接着等の適宜固定手段で固定される 基部 2 1と、 基部に対して接近離反可能に設けられた弁休 3とを備える。 この基 部 2 ]には、 トナー容器 1の内外を導通する導通路 2 2が形成され、 この導通路 2 2は上記の弁体 3によって閉じられる排出口 2 3を備える。 この例では、 弁体 3は、 排出口 2 3より内部側 （ トナー容器 1の内部側） に設けられている。 弁体 3の外周には、 排出口 2 3に嵌合することによって排出口 2 3を閉じる主 嵌合部 3 1が設けられている。 即ち、 この例では、 弁体 3の外周が主嵌合部とな り、 排出口 2 3全体が主受容部となっている。 他方、 弁体 3の中央部には、 現像 装置の弁体操作部 4に強制嵌合する連結部 3 2が設けられている。 より詳しくは  Next, the discharge unit 2 includes a base 21 fixed to the toner container 1 by appropriate fixing means such as welding or adhesion, and a valve rest 3 provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the base. The base portion 2] is formed with a conduction path 22 for conducting the inside and the outside of the toner container 1, and the conduction path 22 includes an outlet 23 closed by the valve 3. In this example, the valve element 3 is provided inside the discharge port 23 (inside the toner container 1). A main fitting portion 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the valve body 3 to close the discharge port 23 by fitting the discharge port 23. That is, in this example, the outer periphery of the valve body 3 is a main fitting portion, and the entire outlet 23 is a main receiving portion. On the other hand, a connecting portion 32 is provided at the center of the valve body 3 to be forcibly fitted to the valve body operating section 4 of the developing device. For more information
1 2 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 、 弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1が副嵌合部となり、 この副嵌合部である弁体操作部 4 の先端 4 1を受容する連結部 3 2が副受容部となる。 そして、 副受容部 3 2と副 嵌合部 4 1 との少なくとも何れか一方が変形して、 嵌合状態となる強制嵌合とし て実施されるものである。 特に、 この例では、 この嵌合を確実になすために、 弁 体操作部 4の先端 4 1には括れ部分 4 1 aが設けられ、 この括れ部分に嵌合する 突条 3 3 aが連結部 3 2内に設けられている。 1 2 Replacement form (Rule 26) The distal end 41 of the valve element operating portion 4 is a sub-fitting portion, and the connecting portion 32 for receiving the distal end 41 of the valve element operating portion 4 as the sub-fitting portion is an auxiliary receiving portion. Then, at least one of the sub-receiving portion 32 and the sub-fitting portion 41 is deformed, and the fitting is performed as a forced fitting. In particular, in this example, in order to ensure this fitting, a constricted portion 41 a is provided at the distal end 41 of the valve body operating portion 4, and a ridge 33 a fitted to the constricted portion is connected. It is provided in the section 32.
この弁体 3は、 排出部 2の基部 2 1 と別体に形成してもよいが、 この例では一 体に形成されていると共に、 ガイ ド部 5によって、 案内されている。 このガイ ド 部 5は、 基部 2 1に設けられた支柱 5 1 , 5 1と、 この支柱 5 1から内側に向け て延ばされた腕部 5 2 , 5 2とを備える。 この例では、 支柱 5 1 と腕部 5 2とは 、 左右に一対設けられている力 1本でもよく、 3本以上としてもよい。 腕部 5 2の基端側は支柱 5 1に対して回動可能であり、 腕部 5 2の先端側は弁体 3に対 して回動可能である。 そして、 この例では、 図 2に示すように、 弁体 3が排出口 2 3に嵌合している時には、 腕部 5 2の先端側が基端側より下方にあり、 図 3 ( C ) に示すように、 弁体 3と排出口 2 3との嵌合が外れて排出口 2 3が開いた状 態では、 腕部 5 2の先端側が基端側より上方にある。  The valve body 3 may be formed separately from the base 21 of the discharge part 2, but in this example, it is formed integrally and guided by the guide part 5. The guide portion 5 includes columns 51, 51 provided on a base 21 and arms 52, 52 extending inward from the column 51. In this example, the support 51 and the arm 52 may have a single pair of left and right forces, or three or more. The proximal end of the arm 52 is rotatable with respect to the column 51, and the distal end of the arm 52 is rotatable with respect to the valve 3. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the valve body 3 is fitted into the discharge port 23, the distal end side of the arm portion 52 is lower than the base end side, and as shown in FIG. As shown, in a state where the valve body 3 and the discharge port 23 are disengaged and the discharge port 23 is opened, the distal end side of the arm portion 52 is located above the base end side.
さらにこの例では、 支柱 5 1 , 5 1は、 腕部 5 2よりさらに上方に伸ばされて 、 伸ばされた支柱 5 1， 5 〗間に、 ス トツバ 5 3力く、 腕部 5 2の上方位置に渡さ れている。 このス トツバ 5 3は、 弁体 3が上异位置に来た時に当接して、 それ以 上上昇しないようにするものである力、 上昇防止の手段を他に設けることも可能 であり、 このス トッノ 5 3は必ずしも必要ではない。  Further, in this example, the struts 51, 51 are extended further upward than the arms 52, and between the stretched struts 51, 5 mm, the struts 53 are strong, and the struts 51, 51 are located above the arms 52. Passed to the location. The stopper 53 comes into contact with the valve body 3 when it comes to the upper position, and prevents any further rise. Stono 53 is not necessary.
次に、 現像装置における弁体操作部 4について説明する。 この弁体操作部 4は 、 現像装置の紙一枚毎の現像剤や、 ポッパ一等のトナーの貯溜部内のイ ンクの使 用量をセンサでキャッチし、 その都度、 作動することにより、 カートリ ッジから のトナーの排出を指示するものである。 また、 トナーの一定の使用減量をセンサ でキャッチし、 作動することにより、 カートリ ッジからのトナーの排出を指示し て、 ポッパー等のトナーの貯溜部内の減量分に相当する トナーを補給させるもの  Next, the valve element operation unit 4 in the developing device will be described. The valve element operating section 4 catches the amount of ink used in the toner storage section such as the popper or the developer for each sheet of paper of the developing device with a sensor, and is actuated each time to operate the cartridge. This is an instruction to discharge toner from the printer. A sensor that detects a certain amount of toner loss and activates it to instruct toner to be discharged from the cartridge and replenish the toner equivalent to the amount of toner loss in the toner storage section such as a popper.
1 3 差替え用紙 (規則 26) である。 この例では、 トナーの排出の必要な時に、 弁体 3に対して接近して作動 状態となり、 トナーの排出の不要な時に、 弁体 3から離反して非作動状態となる この弁体操作部 4は、 トナ一の排出経路とは別体のものとして実施することも できる力、 この例では、 弁体操作部 4がトナーの排出経路の機能をも兼ね備えた ものである。 1 3 Replacement form (Rule 26) It is. In this example, when the toner is required to be discharged, the valve body 3 is brought into the operating state by approaching the valve body 3, and when the toner is not required to be discharged, the valve body operating section is separated from the valve body 3 and becomes inactive state. Reference numeral 4 denotes a force that can be implemented separately from the toner discharge path. In this example, the valve element operation unit 4 also has a function of a toner discharge path.
より詳しくは、 この弁体操作部 4は、 排出部 2の導通路 2 2に挿入される軸状 のもので、 その内部にはトナーの排出経路 4 2が設けられ、 このトナーの排出経 路 4 2から外部に通じる開口部 4 3力、 弁体操作部 4の先端寄りに設けられてい る。 この弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1は、 前述のように、 連結部 3 2に受容されるも ので、 連結部 3 2の突条 3 3 aに嵌合する括れ部分 4 1 aが設けられている。 こ の括れ部分 4 1 aの基端側に開口部 4 3が形成されている。 即ち、 この開口部 4 3は、 弁体 3の主嵌合部 3 1 と、 排出口 2 3との嵌合が外れた状態 （開状態） で 、 トナー容器の内外を導通可能にする開口であり、 この例では、 開状態で、 排出 口 2 3の内側 （ トナー容器の内部側） に位置している。  More specifically, the valve element operation unit 4 is a shaft-shaped member that is inserted into the conduction path 22 of the discharge unit 2, and a toner discharge path 42 is provided inside the valve operation unit 4. An opening 43 communicating from the outside 42 to the outside 43 is provided near the tip of the valve element operating section 4. As described above, the distal end 41 of the valve body operating portion 4 is received by the connecting portion 32, and thus a constricted portion 41a is provided to be fitted to the ridge 33a of the connecting portion 32. ing. An opening 43 is formed at the base end side of the constricted portion 41a. That is, the opening portion 43 is an opening that allows conduction between the inside and outside of the toner container when the main fitting portion 31 of the valve body 3 and the discharge port 23 are disengaged (open state). Yes, in this example, it is located inside the discharge port 23 (inside the toner container) in the open state.
弁体操作部 4の蚰部の外周の適宜位置には、 0リ ング 4 4等のシール手段が設 けられへ このシール手段によって、 排出部 2の導通路 2 2との間のシールがなさ れる。 このシール手段は、 必ずしも必要ではないが、 開口部 4 3から排出経路 4 2に至らなかったトナーの漏れを、 このシール手段で完全に排除することができ る。  A sealing means such as a ring 44 is provided at an appropriate position on the outer periphery of the stem portion of the valve element operating section 4. With this sealing means, a seal is formed between the discharge section 2 and the conduction path 22. It is. Although this sealing means is not always necessary, the leakage of the toner that did not reach the discharge path 42 from the opening 43 can be completely eliminated by this sealing means.
次に、 このトナ一カートリ ッジによるトナーの補給方法について説明する。 ま ず、 図 1に示すカートリ ッジを、 現像装置の所定の位置にセッ 卜する。 このセッ トしただけの段階では、 図 2に示すように、 弁体操作部 4と排出部 2とは分離状 態であるか、 或いは、 図 3 ( A ) や （B ) に示すように、 弁体操作部 4と排出部 2とが結合されてはいる力く、 弁体 3がトナーの排出口 2 3を閉じた状態となって いる。 言い換えると、 排出口 2 3と主嵌合部 3 1 とが、 嵌合状態にあるが、 特に 望ましくは、 排出口 2 3の径を拡大するように、 排出口 2 3を変形させた状態で  Next, a method of replenishing toner by the toner cartridge will be described. First, the cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is set at a predetermined position of the developing device. At this stage of just setting, the valve body operation part 4 and the discharge part 2 are in a separated state as shown in FIG. 2, or as shown in FIG. 3 (A) and (B). The valve body operation unit 4 and the discharge unit 2 are coupled with each other, so that the valve body 3 closes the toner discharge port 23. In other words, the outlet 23 and the main fitting portion 31 are in a fitted state, but it is particularly preferable that the outlet 23 is deformed so that the diameter of the outlet 23 is enlarged.
1 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 、 主嵌合部 3 1力嵌入している強制嵌合状態とする。 尚、 この強制嵌合は、 排出 口 2 3の弾性変形によってなされ得る力、 排出口 2 3と主嵌合部 3 1 との少なく も何れか一方が変形するものであれば足りる。 1 Replacement form (Rule 26) The main fitting part 31 is in a forced fitting state in which force is inserted. It is sufficient that the forced fitting be performed if at least one of the force that can be achieved by the elastic deformation of the discharge port 23 and at least one of the discharge port 23 and the main fitting portion 31 is deformed.
そして、 トナーを補給する際には、 弁体操作部 4が弁体 3に接近し、 さらに上 昇することによって、 排出口 2 3と主嵌合部 3 1との嵌合が外れる （図 3 ( B ) から （C ) ) 。 この例では、 排出口 2 3と主嵌合部 3 1 との嵌合が外れると同時 に、 弁体 3の連結部 3 2と弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1 とが嵌合している力 弁体 3 の連結部 3 2と弁体操作部 4との嵌合は、 弁体 3の閉動作において必要であり、 開動作では嵌合していなくともよい。  When the toner is supplied, the valve body operation part 4 approaches the valve body 3 and further rises, so that the discharge port 23 and the main fitting part 31 are disengaged from each other (see FIG. 3). (B) to (C)). In this example, the connection between the discharge port 23 and the main fitting part 31 is disengaged, and at the same time, the connecting part 32 of the valve body 3 and the tip 41 of the valve body operating part 4 are fitted together. The connection between the connecting part 32 of the force valve element 3 and the valve element operation part 4 is necessary for the closing operation of the valve element 3 and does not have to be performed for the opening operation.
次に、 弁体操作部 4が弁体 3をさらに移動させることによって、 腕部 5 2が上 舁し、. その状態を維持し得るものとなる。 この状態においては、 弁体 3がトナー の排出口 2 3から離れて開状態となっており、 さらに、 弁体操作部 4の開口部 4 3力、 排出口 2 3より内部側に位置して、 内部のトナーをトナーの排出経路 4 2 から外部に排出できる状態となっている。  Next, by moving the valve body 3 further by the valve body operation part 4, the arm part 52 is carried, so that the state can be maintained. In this state, the valve element 3 is in an open state apart from the toner discharge port 23, and furthermore, the opening section 4 3 of the valve element operation section 4 is positioned inside the discharge port 23. However, the toner inside can be discharged to the outside from the toner discharge path 42.
この例では、 排出部 2をトナー容器 1の下部に設けており、 弁体操作部 4を上 昇させることにより、 開状態となるようにしているため、 トナーは、 自然落下に よって、 弁体操作部 4の開口部 4 3から排出経路 4 2を通って、 ホッパー等のト ナー貯溜部に排出される。 但し、 トナー容器 1に圧力を加えてトナーを排出させ ることも可能であり、 その場合には、 排出部 2を トナー容器 1の上部に設けてお くことも可能であり、 図示の状態から天地が逆の状態とすることもでき、 また、 横方向にすることもできる。 何れの場合にも、 このトナー容器 1は、 内部のトナ 一の量に応じて変形して、 内部に空気が入らない状態を維持するものである。 特に、 この例では、 弁体操作部 4がトナーの排出経路の機能をも兼ね備えてい るため、 トナーの排出時に外部の空気を巻き込むことなく、 トナーの補給を行い 得る。  In this example, the discharge unit 2 is provided at the lower part of the toner container 1, and the valve body operation unit 4 is lifted to open the container. The toner is discharged from the opening 43 of the operation part 4 through the discharge path 42 to the toner storage part such as a hopper. However, it is also possible to discharge the toner by applying pressure to the toner container 1, and in that case, it is possible to provide the discharge unit 2 at the upper part of the toner container 1, and from the state shown in the drawing. It can be upside down, or it can be upside down. In any case, the toner container 1 is deformed in accordance with the amount of the toner inside the toner container 1 to maintain a state in which no air enters the inside. In particular, in this example, since the valve element operation unit 4 also has a function of a toner discharging path, toner can be supplied without involving external air when discharging the toner.
必要量のトナーの補給が終了すると、 弁体操作部 4が後退して、 図 2若しくは 、 図 3 ( A ) 、 又は （B ) の状態になる。 即ち、 弁体操作部 4が後退する際、 弁  When the replenishment of the required amount of toner is completed, the valve body operation unit 4 is retracted, and the state shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 (A) or (B) is reached. That is, when the valve body operation unit 4 moves backward, the valve
1 5 差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) 体操作部 4は弁体 3の連結部 3 2と嵌合しており、 弁体 3と共に後退する。 そし て、 図 3 ( B ) の状態、. 即ち、 排出口 2 3と主嵌合部 3 1 とが嵌合した状態とな り、 トナーの排出が停止された閉状態となる。 即ち、 弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1 ( 副嵌合部 4 1 ) が連結部 3 2 (副受容部 3 2 ) と嵌合する嵌合力は、 主嵌合部 3 1と排出口 2 3 (主受容部 2 3 ) とが嵌合する際に要する力よりも強く、 弁体操 作部 4と弁体 3の連結部 3 2とが結合した状態で、 排出口 2 3と主嵌合部 3 1 と の強制嵌合が実現する。 1 5 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) The body operation part 4 is fitted with the connection part 32 of the valve body 3 and retreats together with the valve body 3. Then, the state shown in FIG. 3 (B), that is, the state where the discharge port 23 and the main fitting portion 31 are fitted to each other, is a closed state where the discharge of the toner is stopped. That is, the fitting force at which the tip 41 (sub-fitting part 4 1) of the valve element operating part 4 fits with the connecting part 32 (sub-receiving part 32) is equal to the main fitting part 31 and the outlet 23. (The main receiving part 23) is stronger than the force required to fit it, and when the valve operating part 4 and the connecting part 32 of the valve 3 are connected, the outlet 23 and the main fitting part 3 Forced mating with 1 is realized.
さらに、 弁体操作部 4が後退すると、 図 3 ( A ) のように、 弁体操作部 4と弁 体 3の連結部 3 2との嵌合が外れる状態となり、 図 2に示すように、 両者 3 , 4 が分離した状態となる。 何れの状態としても、 弁体操作部 4力 弁体 3の連結部 3 2と連結した状態で、 後退動作を行うことにより、 弁体 3の主嵌合部 3 1 と排 出口 2 3との嵌合が実現するものである。 このように、 主嵌合部 3 1 と排出口 2 3との嵌合がなされているため、 トナーの漏れは確実に防止され、 しかも、 排出 部 2は合成樹脂で一体に成型できるため、 その製造に関しても低コス トに抑える ことができ、 さらに、 弁体操作部 4の前進後退動作という単純な動作のみによつ て、 トナーの排出と、 漏れのない非排出とが実現するものである。  Further, when the valve element operating section 4 is retracted, the fitting between the valve element operating section 4 and the connecting portion 32 of the valve element 3 is released as shown in FIG. 3 (A), and as shown in FIG. Both 3 and 4 are separated. In any state, the valve body operating section 4 force The retracting operation is performed in the state of being connected to the connecting section 32 of the valve body 3 so that the main fitting section 3 1 of the valve body 3 and the discharge outlet 23 are connected. The fitting is realized. As described above, since the main fitting portion 31 and the discharge port 23 are fitted, the leakage of the toner is reliably prevented, and the discharge portion 2 can be integrally molded with synthetic resin. Manufacturing costs can be kept low, and toner can be discharged and non-discharge without leakage can be achieved only by the simple operation of the valve operating section 4 moving forward and backward. .
尚、 上記の例では、 現像装置の弁体操作部 4が排出状態に相対的に移行する際 、 連結部 3 2と弁休操作部 4との連結 （嵌合） がなされた状態で、 主嵌合部 3 1 と排出口 2 3との嵌合が解除される力 この段階では、 連結部 3 2と弁体操作部 4との連結 （嵌合） は完全になされる必要はなく、 次の、 現像装置の弁体操作部 4が非排出状態に相対的に移行する際に、 連結 （嵌合） がなされるものであれば よい。 また、 上記の例では、 主嵌合部 3 1 と排出口 2 3との嵌合がなされた段階 で、 連結部 3 2と弁体操作部 4との連結が解除されるようにしている力、 両者の 連結状態は維持したままとしてもよい。 即ち、 カートリ ッジが現像装置にセッ ト される際に、 一度、 連結部 3 2と弁体操作部 4との連結がなされれば、 補充毎の 作動においてはこの連結は維持されたままとして弁体 3の開閉を行い、 カートリ ッジを現像装置から取り外す段階で、 連結部 3 2と弁体操作部 4との連結を解除  In the above example, when the valve element operating section 4 of the developing device relatively shifts to the discharge state, the connecting section 32 and the valve rest operating section 4 are connected (fitted). The force at which the fitting between the fitting part 3 1 and the discharge port 23 is released At this stage, the connection (fitting) between the connecting part 32 and the valve element operating part 4 does not need to be completely performed. However, the connection (fitting) may be performed when the valve element operation unit 4 of the developing device relatively shifts to the non-discharge state. Further, in the above example, when the main fitting portion 31 and the discharge port 23 are fitted, the connection between the connecting portion 32 and the valve body operating portion 4 is released. However, the connection between the two may be maintained. That is, once the connection between the connecting portion 32 and the valve element operating portion 4 is made when the cartridge is set in the developing device, this connection is maintained in the operation for each replenishment. When the valve 3 is opened and closed and the cartridge is removed from the developing device, the connection between the connecting part 32 and the valve operating part 4 is released.
1 6 1 6
差替え用紙 (規則 26) するようにしてもよい。 Replacement forms (Rule 26) You may make it.
次に、 図 4はトナー容器の変更例を示すもので、 先の実施の形態では、 全体が トナー容器内のトナーの減量に応じて収縮する収縮部となっていたが、 ( A ) の例では、 収縮部 1 0 2が、 容器の約半分以上に設けられているものである。 より詳しくは、 このトナー容器 1 0 ] にあっては、 収縮部 1 0 2と非収縮部 1 0 3とから構成され、 非収縮部 1 0 3に、 排出部 2が設けられている。 非収縮部 1 0 3は硬質の合成樹脂等の大気圧によっても潰れない剛性を有している。 他方、 収縮部は軟質の合成樹脂等からなり、 大気圧によつて変形する柔軟性を有してい る。 即ち、 収縮部 1 0 2は、 非収縮部 1 0 3の内側に張り付く ことが可能な程度 の柔軟性を有し、 内部の トナーの減量によって、 内部に空気を入れることなく、 収縮して、 最終的には、 収縮部 1 0 2が非収縮部 1 0 3の内側に張り付いた状態 (内部空間が無くなる状態） となる。  Next, FIG. 4 shows a modified example of the toner container. In the previous embodiment, the whole was a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container. In this, the shrinking portion 102 is provided in about half or more of the container. More specifically, the toner container 10] includes a contracting portion 102 and a non-contracting portion 103, and the discharging portion 2 is provided in the non-contracting portion 103. The non-shrinkable portion 103 has a rigidity that is not crushed by the atmospheric pressure of a hard synthetic resin or the like. On the other hand, the shrinking portion is made of a soft synthetic resin or the like, and has flexibility to be deformed by atmospheric pressure. In other words, the contracted portion 102 has such a flexibility that it can be stuck inside the non-contracted portion 103, and due to the reduction in the amount of toner inside, it contracts without introducing air inside, Eventually, the contracted portion 102 is stuck inside the non-contracted portion 103 (a state in which the internal space is lost).
図 4 ( B ) のトナー容器 1 1 1は、 内部の形状が一定な筒体によって非収縮部 1 1 2が形成されている。 そして、 この非収縮部 1 1 2に対して摺動可能な収縮 部] 1 3が非収縮部内部に嵌入している。 このトナー容器 1 1 1は、 収縮部 1 1 3が軸方向に摺勛することによって、 容器の内容量が収縮するものであり、 排出 部 2は、 非収縮部 1 1 2に設けられている。  The non-shrinkage portion 112 of the toner container 111 shown in FIG. 4B is formed by a cylindrical body having a constant internal shape. Then, a contracted portion] 13 slidable with respect to the non-contracted portion 112 is fitted inside the non-contracted portion. In the toner container 1 1 1 1, the shrinking portion 1 1 3 slides in the axial direction, so that the content of the container shrinks, and the discharge portion 2 is provided in the non-shrinking portion 1 1 2 .
尚、 図 4 ( A ) ( B ) の何れの例の場合にも、 非収縮性の部材 1 0 4 , 1 1 4 によって、 トナー容器の外郭を構成することができる。 （A ) の例では、 非収縮 性の部材 1 0 4を、 収縮部 1 0 2の外側に配位して、 非収縮部 1 0 3に接続若し くは一体化しておく。 但し、 空気の導通路 1 0 5を、 非収縮性の部材 1 0 4に設 けておく。  In each of the examples shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the outer periphery of the toner container can be constituted by the non-shrinkable members 104 and 114. In the example of (A), the non-shrinkable member 104 is arranged outside the shrinkable portion 102, and is connected or integrated with the non-shrinkable portion 103. However, the air passage 105 is provided in the non-shrinkable member 104.
図 4 ( B ) の例では、 非収縮性の部材 1 ] 4を、 収縮部 1 1 3の外側に配位し て、 非収縮部 1 1 2に接続若しくは一体化しておく。 但し、 空気の導通路 1 i 5 を、 非収縮性の部材 1 1 4に設けておく。  In the example of FIG. 4 (B), the non-shrinkable member 1] 4 is arranged outside the shrinkable portion 113 to be connected or integrated with the non-shrinkage portion 112. However, the air passage 1 i 5 is provided in the non-shrinkable member 114.
次に、 排出部の他の実施の形態を示すが、 これらの排出部の形態は、 上記の各 トナー容器に適応し得るものである。 尚、 以下の実施の形態では、 先の実施の形  Next, other embodiments of the discharge section will be described. The form of these discharge sections can be applied to each of the toner containers described above. In the following embodiment, the form of the previous embodiment will be described.
1 7 1 7
差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) 態と実質的に同一の部分については、 同じ符号を付してその説明を省略する。 図 5の例は、 先の実施の形態における開口部 4 3の位置を変更した例である。 先の例では、 弁体 3がトナーの排出口 2 3から離れて開状態となった際に、 弁体 操作部 4の開口部 4 3が、 排出口 2 3より内部側に位置して、 内部のトナーをト ナ一の排出経路 4 2から外部に排出可能な状態となったものであった力 この例 では、 開状態となった際に、 弁体操作部 4の開口部 4 3が、 排出口 2 3より外部 側に位置しているものである。 即ち、 弁体 3の連結部 3 2に対して嵌合する トナ 一操作部 4の先端 4 1 と開口部 4 3との間に、 排出口 2 3より径の小さな連絡部 1 3 1を設けたものである。 この例では、 弁体 3がトナーの徘出口 2 3から離れ て開状態となった際に、 排出口 2 3の位置に連絡部 1 3 1が位置して、 排出口 2 3と連絡部 1 3 1 との間を通って、 トナーが流出する。 そして流出した トナーは 、 開口部 4 3から トナーの排出経路 4 2を経て、 外部に流出するものである。 こ の例でも、 主嵌合部と主受容部及び副嵌合部と副受容部並びにこれらの強制嵌合 の強さの関係については、 先の実施の形態と実質的に同じである。 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) Portions that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The example of FIG. 5 is an example in which the position of the opening 43 in the above embodiment is changed. In the above example, when the valve 3 is opened away from the toner outlet 23, the opening 43 of the valve operating section 4 is located inside the outlet 23, and The force that allowed the toner inside to be discharged from the toner discharge path 42 to the outside.In this example, when the opening state is reached, the opening 43 of the valve element operation unit 4 is closed. It is located outside the outlet 23. That is, a connecting portion 13 1 having a smaller diameter than the discharge port 23 is provided between the tip 41 of the operation portion 4 and the opening 43 fitted to the connecting portion 32 of the valve body 3. It is a thing. In this example, when the valve 3 is opened away from the toner wandering outlet 23, the communicating part 13 1 is located at the outlet 23, and the outlet 23 and the communicating part 1 are located. 3 Toner leaks through the gap. The toner that has flowed out flows out of the opening 43 through the toner discharge path 42 to the outside. Also in this example, the relationship between the main fitting portion and the main receiving portion, the sub-fitting portion and the sub-receiving portion, and the relationship between the forcible fitting strengths thereof is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment.
図 6の例は、 先の第 1の実施の形態における弁体 3を、 排出部 2と別体に形成 した例である力く、 主嵌合部と主受容部及び副嵌合部と副受容部並びにこれらの強 制嵌合の強さの関係については、 先の実施の形態と実質的に同じである。 この例 では弁体 3の周囲に、 弁体 3の摺動の案内をなすための部材を、 基部 2 1に設け る。 具体的には、 複数本のガイ ド支柱 1 2 1を基部 2 1から立設する。 これによ つて、 弁体 3は、 ガイ ド支柱 1 2 1に案内されつつ、 芯ずれすることなく、 軸方 向に移動することができるものである。 尚、 ガイ ド支柱 1 2 1 と弁体 3とは接触 状態となっているだけで足りるが、 弁体 3にガイ ド支柱 1 2 1を摺動可能に挿通 する摺動孔を設けて実施する等、 案内のための具体的な構造は適宜変更し得るも のである。  The example of FIG. 6 is an example in which the valve element 3 in the first embodiment is formed separately from the discharge section 2, and the main fitting section and the main receiving section, and the sub-fitting section and the sub- The relationship between the receiving portion and the strength of the forced fitting is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment. In this example, a member for guiding the sliding of the valve element 3 is provided on the base 21 around the valve element 3. Specifically, a plurality of guide posts 1 2 1 are erected from the base 21. This allows the valve element 3 to move in the axial direction without being misaligned while being guided by the guide posts 121. In addition, it is sufficient that the guide post 1 2 1 and the valve 3 are only in contact with each other, but the valve 3 is provided with a sliding hole through which the guide post 1 2 1 is slidably inserted. The specific structure for guidance can be changed as appropriate.
図 7は、 本願発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る断面図であり、 （A ) は閉状 態を示し、 （B ) は開状態を示す。  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view according to still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (A) shows a closed state and (B) shows an open state.
図 2の例では、 支柱 5 1 , 5 1間にストツバ 5 3を設けたが、 この例では、 そ  In the example of FIG. 2, the stop 53 is provided between the columns 51 and 51, but in this example, the stop 53 is provided.
1 8 差替え用紙 （規則 26) れを設けない点で図 2の例と相違する。 即ち弁体 3は、 基部 2 1 と 2本の腕部 1 4 1 , 1 4 1によって接続されている。 この腕部 1 4 1 1 4 1は、 （A ) に示 すように下方に向けて湾曲した状態から、 （B ) に示すように上方に向けて伸ば された状態に変形することができるものである。 即ち、 この腕部 1 4 1 , 1 4 1 は、 弁体 3が上下に移動することを許容し、 且つ支持することができる程度の強 度と、 可撓性を有するものである。 この例でも、 主嵌合部と主受容部及び副嵌合 部と副受容部並びにこれらの強制嵌合の強さの関係については、 先の実施の形態 と実質的に同じである。 1 8 Replacement form (Rule 26) This is different from the example of FIG. That is, the valve element 3 is connected by the base 21 and the two arms 14 1, 14 1. This arm part 1 4 1 1 4 1 can be deformed from a state curved downward as shown in (A) to a state extended upward as shown in (B) Things. That is, the arm portions 141 and 141 have strength and flexibility that allow the valve body 3 to move up and down and can support it. Also in this example, the relationship between the main fitting portion and the main receiving portion, the sub-fitting portion and the sub-receiving portion, and the relationship between the forcible fitting strengths thereof is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment.
ここで、 図 7 ( B ) の状態から図 7 ( A ) の状態に弁体 3が下降して、 排出口 Here, the valve body 3 descends from the state shown in FIG. 7 (B) to the state shown in FIG.
2 3を閉鎖するに際して、 弁体 3の連結部 3 2と弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1との嵌 合が外れない点について更に説明する。 The point that the connection portion 32 of the valve body 3 and the distal end 41 of the valve body operation portion 4 do not come off when closing the valve body 23 will be further described.
先ず、 図 7 ( B ) の状態において、 弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1 と弁体 3の連結部 First, in the state shown in FIG.
3 2は、 その嵌合状態が維持されたままである。 In 32, the fitted state is maintained.
次に、 弁体操作部 4が下方に移行されるに伴って、 弁体 3も下方に移行せられ る。  Next, as the valve body operation unit 4 moves downward, the valve body 3 also moves downward.
弁体 3の下端部 3 eが排出口 2 3に近づき、 その内部に侵入すると、 下端部 3 eは、 排出口 2 3の内周面に接合して、 下端部 3 eは、 その外周面から内部中心 方向 （半径方向） に力を受けることとなる。 これにより、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eは 、 その内径が小さくなるような力を排出口 2 3の内周面から受けることになる。 その結果、 弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1は、 弁体 3の連結部 3 2との嵌合の力がより 強くなつて、 その先端 4 1が弁体 3の連結部 3 2から抜ける恐れがなくなるので ある。  When the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 approaches the outlet 23 and enters the inside thereof, the lower end 3 e is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the outlet 23, and the lower end 3 e is connected to the outer peripheral surface thereof. From the inner center (radial direction). As a result, the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 receives a force from the inner peripheral surface of the discharge port 23 such that the inner diameter becomes smaller. As a result, the tip 41 of the valve element operating part 4 may be disengaged from the connecting part 32 of the valve element 3 due to a stronger fitting force with the connecting part 32 of the valve body 3. Is lost.
これにより、 弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1は、 弁体 3との嵌合状態を確実に維持し たままで下方に移行されて、 弁体 3の主嵌合部 3 1が排出口 2 3に確実に嵌合す ることができるのである。  As a result, the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 is moved downward while reliably maintaining the state of engagement with the valve element 3, and the main fitting section 31 of the valve element 3 is moved out of the outlet 23. It can be securely fitted.
ここで排出口 2 3の開閉のための動きを図 7の要部を拡大して、 その主要を動 きを図示した図 8及び図 9を参照して、 より詳細に説明する。  Here, the movement for opening and closing the discharge port 23 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, which show an enlarged main part of FIG.
1 9 差替え用紙 （規則 26) まず図 8 ( A ) は、 排出口 2 3に弁体 3が嵌合している状態を示し、 この状態 では、 弁体操作部 4は弁体 3より充分に下方に位置しているため、 図示されてい ない。 この嵌合状態では、 弁体 3の外周部のシール面 3 ίが、 排出口 2 3の内周 面に密着して、 気密性、 液密性の高いシール状態となっている。 また、 弁体 3の 下端部 3 eにて外側に張り出す弁体側肩部 3 が、 排出口 2 3の下部にて内側に 張り出す排出口側肩部 2 3 aに係合している。 これにより、 弁体 3が不用意に排 出口 3から外れてしまうことを防止する。 1 9 Replacement form (Rule 26) First, FIG. 8 (A) shows a state in which the valve element 3 is fitted to the discharge port 23. In this state, the valve element operation section 4 is located sufficiently below the valve element 3, so that Not shown. In this fitting state, the sealing surface 3 の of the outer peripheral portion of the valve element 3 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the discharge port 23, forming a highly airtight and liquid tight sealing state. Further, a valve body side shoulder 3 projecting outward at a lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 is engaged with an outlet side shoulder 23 a projecting inward at a lower portion of the outlet 23. This prevents the valve element 3 from accidentally coming off the discharge port 3.
次に、 図 8 ( B ) に示すように、 弁体操作部 4が上异して、 弁体 3内の連結部 3 2に進入する。 この時、 弁体操作部 4の先端 4 1においては、 その先端側の外 径が、. 弁体 3の下端部 3 eの内径 （特に、 下端部 3 eの内周面に突出した突条 3 3 aの内径） ） よりも小さいため、 容易に進入し得る。 そして、 弁体操作部 4の 先端 4 1の外径は、 その最先端から括れ部分 4 1 aに近づくに従って、 大きくな り、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eの内径よりも大きくなつている。 そのため、 進人が進む に従って、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eが外方向に膨張するように変形して、 その内径が 広がる。 この弁体 3の下端部 3 eの膨張を許容するために、 排出口 2 3の下部の 内壁面と弁体 3の下端部 3 eとの間に適度な空間 3 hが設けられている （図 8 ( A ) 参照） 。  Next, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), the valve body operation section 4 moves up and enters the connecting section 32 in the valve body 3. At this time, the outer diameter of the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 (particularly, the ridge projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the lower end 3 e). It is easy to enter because it is smaller than 33 a). The outer diameter of the distal end 41 of the valve element operating section 4 becomes larger as approaching the constricted portion 41a from the tip end thereof, and becomes larger than the inner diameter of the lower end 3e of the valve element 3. Therefore, as the person proceeds, the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 is deformed so as to expand outward, and the inner diameter of the valve element 3 increases. In order to allow the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 to expand, an appropriate space 3 h is provided between the inner wall surface below the outlet 23 and the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 ( See Figure 8 (A)).
さらに進入が進むと、 図 9 ( A ) に示すように、 弁体操作部 4の括れ部分 4 1 aに、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eが入り込むようになり、 膨張した下端部 3 eが元の状 態に復帰する。  As the approach proceeds further, as shown in FIG. 9 (A), the lower end 3 e of the valve 3 comes into the constricted portion 4 1 a of the valve operating section 4, and the expanded lower end 3 e becomes Returns to the original state.
さらに、 進入が進むと、 図 9 ( B ) に示すように、 弁体操作部 4の括れ部分 4 1 aに、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eが入り込んだ状態で、 弁体 3と排出口 2 3との嵌合 が外れる。 このとき、 弁体操作部 4の括れ部分 4 1 aに、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eが 入り込むため、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eにおける弁体側肩部 3 gと、 排出口 2 3にお ける排出口側肩部 2 3 aとの係合が無理なく解除される。  Further, as the approach proceeds, as shown in FIG. 9 (B), the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 enters the constricted portion 41 a of the valve body operation section 4, and the valve body 3 and the outlet are opened. The connection with 2 and 3 comes off. At this time, since the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 enters the constricted portion 4 1 a of the valve body operation section 4, the valve body side shoulder 3 g at the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 and the discharge port 23 are formed. The engagement with the shoulder 23a on the discharge port side is easily released.
そして、 最終的に、 図 9 ( C ) に示すように、 弁体操作部 4の開口部 4 3が、 排出口 2 3より内側に位置するようになり、 トナーの排出が可能となる。  Finally, as shown in FIG. 9 (C), the opening 43 of the valve body operation unit 4 is located inside the discharge port 23, and the toner can be discharged.
2 0 差替え用紙 (規則 26) 次に、 弁体 3によって排出口 2 3を閉じる際には、 上記と逆の動きを示すもの であり、 図 9 ( C ) の状態から、 弁体操作部 4が引き下げられる。 このとき、 排 出口 2 3のトナー容器内側の開口端の内径が、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eの最下端の外 径よりも大きく設定されているため、 無理なく、 排出口 2 3に弁体 3の下端部 3 eの最下端が進入する。 2 0 Replacement form (Rule 26) Next, when the discharge port 23 is closed by the valve element 3, the operation is the reverse of the above, and the valve element operation section 4 is pulled down from the state of FIG. 9 (C). At this time, the inside diameter of the opening inside the toner container of the discharge outlet 23 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the lowermost end of the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3. The lowermost end of the lower end 3 e of the body 3 enters.
図 9 ( B ) に示すように、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eの弁体側肩部 3 gの外径は、 排 出口 2 3の内径よりも大きい。 そのため、 弁体操作部 4がさらに引き下げられる と、 弁体 3の下端部 3 e力、 排出口 2 3の内壁から力を受けることにより、 内側 に変形して、 弁体操作部 4の括れ部分 4 1 aに、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eが入り込む 。 この動きは、 弁体操作部 4の引き下げが進むに従って大きくなり、 弁体操作部 4の括れ部分 4 1 aと弁体 3の下端部 3 eとがより確実に係合する。 その結果、 弁体操作部 4の引き下げ中に、 弁体 3が弁体操作部 4から外れてしまうことを防 ぐことができる。  As shown in FIG. 9 (B), the outer diameter of the valve body side shoulder 3g of the lower end 3e of the valve body 3 is larger than the inner diameter of the discharge outlet 23. Therefore, when the valve element operating section 4 is further lowered, the lower end 3 e of the valve element 3 and the force from the inner wall of the discharge port 23 are deformed inward by receiving the force from the inner wall of the discharge port 23, and a constricted portion of the valve element operating section 4 is formed. The lower end 3e of the valve element 3 enters the 41a. This movement increases as the valve operating section 4 is further lowered, and the constricted portion 41a of the valve operating section 4 and the lower end 3e of the valve 3 are more reliably engaged. As a result, it is possible to prevent the valve element 3 from coming off the valve element operation section 4 while the valve element operation section 4 is being lowered.
さらに、 弁体操作部 4が引き下げられると、 弁体 3と排出口 2 3の端部とが当 接して、 弁体 3の下降が停止する （図 9 ( A ) 参照） 。 そして、 さらに弁体操作 部 4が引き下げられると、 弁体 3の下端部 3 eが外方向に膨出して、 弁体 3の下 端部 3 eの内周面に突出した突条 3 3 aと括れ部分 4 1 aとの係合が外れ （図 8 ( B ) ) 、 初期状態に戻るものである （図 8 ( A ) ) 。  Further, when the valve body operation section 4 is lowered, the valve body 3 comes into contact with the end of the discharge port 23, and the lowering of the valve body 3 stops (see FIG. 9 (A)). Then, when the valve body operation part 4 is further lowered, the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3 bulges outward, and the protruding ridge 33 a protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the lower end 3 e of the valve body 3. And the constricted portion 41a is disengaged (FIG. 8 (B)) and returns to the initial state (FIG. 8 (A)).
図 ] 0は、 本願発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る トナ一力一トリ ッジの要部 斜視図である。  FIG. 0 is a perspective view of an essential part of a tonnage lever according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
この実施の形態に係る排出部 2 0 1は、 合成樹脂製のもので、 略筒形状の基部 2 0 2を有し、 その下端部には、 鍔部 2 0 3が設けられている。 この基部 2 0 2 がトナー容器 2 0 4に熱溶着等によって固定される。 図中、 基部 2 0 2の上端部 の両側から上方に延長し、 且つその中心方向に延長する腕部 2 0 5 . 2 0 5が設 けられ、 これらの腕部 2 0 5 , 2 0 5の先端に弁体 2 0 6が連続的に設けられて いる。  The discharge portion 201 according to this embodiment is made of synthetic resin, has a substantially cylindrical base portion 202, and has a flange portion 203 provided at a lower end thereof. The base 202 is fixed to the toner container 204 by heat welding or the like. In the figure, arms 205.205 that extend upward from both sides of the upper end of the base 202 and extend toward the center thereof are provided. These arms 205,205 A valve element 206 is continuously provided at the tip of the valve.
排出部 2 0 1の基部 2 0 2の中央部には、 上下に貫通する導通路 2 0 7が設け  At the center of the base part 202 of the discharge part 201, there is a conductive path 207 that passes vertically.
2 1 差替え用紙 （規則 26) られ、 導通路 2 0 7の上端内周緣部には排出口 2 0 8が設けられ、 この排出口 2 0 8の下端部には係合段部 2 0 8 a力く設けられている。 2 1 Replacement form (Rule 26) In addition, a discharge port 208 is provided at an inner peripheral portion of an upper end of the conduction path 207, and an engagement step portion 208 is provided at a lower end of the discharge port 208.
この排出口 2 0 8 (即ち、 副嵌合部） に弁体 2 0 6に設けられた主嵌合部 2 0 9が係合する。 即ち、 弁体 2 0 6の下端部の外周部には、 主嵌合部 2 0 9が形成 されており、 この主嵌合部 2 0 9が排出口 2 0 8の係合段部 2 0 8 aに係合する ことによって弁体 2 0 6が排出口 2 0 8を閉じる。 この際、 両腕部 2 0 5 , 2 0 5は、 弁体 2 0 6が上下に動作するのに応じて柔軟に撓み、 且つ弁体 2 0 6を支 持するのに十分な強度を保持している。  The main fitting portion 209 provided on the valve body 206 engages with this discharge port 208 (that is, the sub-fitting portion). That is, a main fitting portion 209 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the valve body 206, and the main fitting portion 209 is formed by the engagement step portion 210 of the discharge port 208. The valve element 206 closes the discharge port 208 by engaging with 8a. At this time, the two arms 205 and 205 flex flexibly as the valve 206 moves up and down, and have sufficient strength to support the valve 206. are doing.
弁体 2 0 6の内側には、 トナーの排出を指示する弁体操作部 2 1 1の先端に連 結される連結部 2 1 3が設けられ、 この連結部 2 1 3の内周面の下方部には、 係 合段部 2 1 4が周方向に形成されている。  Inside the valve element 206, there is provided a connecting part 2 13 connected to the tip of the valve element operating part 211 for instructing toner discharge, and an inner peripheral surface of the connecting part 2 13 is provided. At the lower part, an engagement step part 214 is formed in the circumferential direction.
他方、 トナーをトナー容器 2 0 4内部に補給するための弁体操作部 2 1 1 は、 棒状体からなり、 その先端部には、 先端連結部 2 1 2 (副嵌合部） が形成されて 、 弁休 2 0 6の連結部 2 1 3 (副受容部） に嵌合することができ、 この先端連結 部 2 1 2の下方部には、 弁体 2 0 6の係合段部 2 1 4と係合する係合溝部 2 1 5 がその周方向に形成されている。  On the other hand, the valve element operation section 211 for replenishing the toner inside the toner container 204 is formed of a rod-shaped body, and a front end connection section 2 12 (sub-fitting section) is formed at the front end thereof. Therefore, it can be fitted into the connecting portion 2 13 (sub receiving portion) of the valve rest 206, and a lower portion of the distal end connecting portion 212 has an engaging step portion 2 of the valve element 206. Engagement grooves 2 15 engaging with 14 are formed in the circumferential direction.
この弁体操作部 2 1 1は、 トナー排出手段を兼ねるもので、 その中心部の長手 方向にトナー排出経路 2 1 5が形成されており、 先端連結部 2 1 2の少し下方に は、 開口部 2 1 6が周方向に複数形成されている。  This valve element operating part 211 also serves as a toner discharging means. A toner discharging path 215 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the central part thereof. An opening is provided slightly below the leading end connecting part 211. A plurality of portions 2 16 are formed in the circumferential direction.
更にこれら開口部 2 1 6の下方部は、 その外径がその上方部よりも少し大きく 形成され、 段部 2 1 7を介して、 排出部 2 0 1の導通路 2 0 7の内径とほぼ同一 の外径に形成されている。  Further, the lower part of these openings 216 is formed to have a slightly larger outer diameter than the upper part thereof, and through the step part 217, the inner diameter of the conduction path 207 of the discharge part 201 is almost equal to the inner diameter. They are formed with the same outer diameter.
この周方向の全体に形成された段部 2 1 7が排出口 2 0 8の下端と当接した状 態にまで弁体操作部 2 1 1が上昇する。 そして、 これに伴い弁体 2 0 6が押し上 げられ、 排出口 2 0 8より トナー容器の内部側に開口部 2 1 6が入り込み、 トナ —が排出可能な状態となる （図 1 0の状態） 。  The valve element operating portion 211 rises to a state where the step portion 217 formed entirely in the circumferential direction is in contact with the lower end of the discharge port 208. As a result, the valve body 206 is pushed up, and the opening portion 216 enters the inside of the toner container from the discharge port 208, so that the toner can be discharged (see FIG. 10). Status) .
排出完了後は、 弁体操作部 2 1 1が排出部 2 0 1の導通路 2 0 7から後退して  After the discharge is completed, the valve element operation section 2 1 1 retreats from the conduction path 2 07 of the discharge section 2
2 2 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 抜け出す。 このとき、 弁体 2 0 6は、 連結部 2 1 3によって弁体操作部 2 1 1の 先端連結部 2 1 2と嵌合しているため、 排出口 2 0 8の方向 （図中下方向） に引 き寄せられ、 弁体 2 0 6の主嵌合部 2 0 9が排出口 2 0 8に嵌合して、 この排出 口 2 0 8を閉じるものである。 この例でも、 主嵌合部と主受容部及び副嵌合部と 副受容部並びにこれらの強制嵌合の強さの関係については、 先の実施の形態と実 質的に同じである。 2 2 Replacement form (Rule 26) Get out. At this time, since the valve element 206 is fitted to the distal end connection part 212 of the valve element operation part 211 by the connection part 212, the direction of the discharge port 208 (downward in the figure) ), The main fitting portion 209 of the valve body 206 fits into the discharge port 208, and closes the discharge port 208. Also in this example, the relationship between the main fitting portion and the main receiving portion, the sub-fitting portion and the sub-receiving portion, and the relationship between the forcible fitting strengths thereof are substantially the same as in the previous embodiment.
図 1 1は、 さらに他の実施の形態に係る トナ一カートリ ッジの要部の斜視説明 図である。  FIG. 11 is an explanatory perspective view of a main part of a toner cartridge according to still another embodiment.
先の例では、 弁体操作部がトナーの排出経路を備えたものであつたが、 この例 では、 弁体操作部がトナ一の排出経路を備えないもの図示している。  In the previous example, the valve element operating section was provided with a toner discharge path, but in this example, the valve element operating section is not provided with a toner discharging path.
まず-. 排出部 3 0 1は、 合成樹脂製であり、 トナー容器 3 0 2の周緣部に備え 付けられ、 略筒形状の基部 3 0 3を有し、 その下端部には、 鍔部 3 0 4が設けら れている。 この基部 3 0 3がトナ一容器 3 0 2の周緣部に熱溶着される。 図中-、 基部 3 0 3には、 トナー容器 3 0 2の内外を連絡する導通路 3 0 5が貫通して形 成されている。 この導通路 3 0 5を中心として相対向する位置に、 腕部 3 0 6 ; 3 0 6が形成され、 この腕部 3 0 6は、 基部 3 0 3の上部からそれぞれ上方に延 長し、 且つその中心方向に延長して、 これらの腕部 3 0 6 , 3 0 6の先端に弁体 3 0 7が連続的に設けられている。 弁体 3 0 7は略球形形状を有しており、 この 弁体 3 0 7の外周面が主嵌合部 3 1 1 となる。 First-. The discharge portion 301 is made of synthetic resin, is provided around the toner container 302, has a substantially cylindrical base portion 303, and has a flange portion 3 at its lower end portion. 0 4 is provided. This base portion 303 is heat-welded to the peripheral portion of the toner container 302. In the figure, a conductive path 305 communicating between the inside and the outside of the toner container 302 is formed to penetrate the base 303. At the position opposed to the conduction path 3 05 as a center, an arm 3 06 ; 3 0 6 is formed, and the arms 3 0 6 extend upward from the upper portion of the base 3 0 3, respectively. Further, a valve element 307 is continuously provided at a tip end of the arm portions 306, 306 extending in the center direction. The valve element 307 has a substantially spherical shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the valve element 307 serves as the main fitting portion 311.
基部 3 0 3の中心部には、 上記した通り、 導通路 3 0 5が上下方向に設けられ ているが、 その導通路 3 0 5の上端部は、 弁体 3 0 7の主嵌合部 3 1 】を気密に 嵌合して受容することができるような排出口 3 0 8が形成され、 その排出口 3 0 8は、 その内径が上方に向かって徐々に大きくなるように、 内周面が傾斜するよ うに形成されている。  At the center of the base portion 303, as described above, the conduction path 305 is provided in the up-down direction, and the upper end of the conduction path 305 is provided at the main fitting portion of the valve element 307. 3 1] is formed so as to be able to be fitted and received in an airtight manner, and the discharge port 3 08 is formed so that its inner diameter gradually increases upward. The surface is formed so as to be inclined.
両腕部 3 0 6、 3 0 6は、 弁体 3 0 7が上下に動作するのに応じて柔軟に撓み 、 且つ弁体 3 0 7を支持するのに十分な強度を保持している。  The both arms 306, 306 flex flexibly as the valve element 307 moves up and down, and have sufficient strength to support the valve element 307.
この弁体 3 0 7の下面から下方に向かって、 導通路 3 0 5を貫通するように、  Downward from the lower surface of the valve body 307, so as to penetrate the conduction path 305,
2 3 差替え用紙 (規則 26) 棒状の弁作動部 3 0 9が設けられている。 2 3 Replacement form (Rule 26) A rod-shaped valve operating section 309 is provided.
弁作動部 3 0 9の中間部には、 ガイ ド板 3 1 0力く設けられ、 このガイ ド板 3 1 ϋが弁作動部 3 0 9のセンター出しの効果を有し、 弁作動部 3 0 9が導通路 3 0 5内を適切に案内し、 且つ、 このガイ ド板 3 1 0は、 弁作動部 3 0 9カ<押し込ま れる間、 導通路 3 0 5を封止する役目も担うことができる。  A guide plate 3100 is provided at an intermediate portion of the valve operating portion 3109 so that the guide plate 311ϋ has the effect of centering the valve operating portion 3109. 09 appropriately guides the inside of the conductive path 3 05, and the guide plate 3 10 also serves to seal the conductive path 3 05 while the valve operating section 3 09 is pushed in. be able to.
より詳細には、 ガイ ド扳 3 1 0の外径が導通路 3 0 5の内径と同一又は大きい ときに、 このガイ ド板 3 1 0の外周が導通路 3 0 5と密接するため、 弁作動部 3 0 9が上下に動作する場合に、 センター出しの作用を有して確実に弁作動部 3 0 9を案内し、 弁作動部 3 0 9の上下動の最中に導通路 3 0 5を封止して蓋の役目 も果たすのである。  More specifically, when the outer diameter of the guide 扳 310 is the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the conduction path 305, the outer periphery of the guide plate 310 comes into close contact with the conduction path 305, so that the valve When the operating part 309 moves up and down, the valve operating part 309 is reliably guided with the function of centering, and the conduction path 309 is provided during the vertical movement of the valve operating part 309. It also acts as a lid by sealing 5.
ここで、 ガイ ド扳 3 1 0の外径が導通路 3 0 5の内径よりも大きい場合には、 ガイ ド板 3 1 0は柔軟な弾性を有する素材から形成する必要があり、 ガイ ド板 3 1 0の外径が導通路 3 0 5の内径と同一又は小さい場合には、 ガイ ド板 3 1 0は 、 剛性のものでも、 弾性を有するものでもどちらでもよい。  Here, when the outer diameter of the guide 扳 310 is larger than the inner diameter of the conduction path 305, the guide plate 310 needs to be formed from a material having flexible elasticity. When the outer diameter of 310 is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of conduction path 305, guide plate 310 may be either rigid or elastic.
他方、 現像装置側の弁体操作部は、 この例では図示していないが、 上記の弁作 動部 3 0 9を上下に作動させるものであれば足りる。 例えば、 チャックによって 弁作動部 3 0 9を摑み、 チャックを上下させることによって、 弁作動部 3 0 9を 上下させるものを例示し得る。 また、 弁作動部 3 0 9の下端に対して嵌合可能な 部材を弁体操作部とし、 嵌合状態の弁体操作部を上下させることによって、 上下 動させるものであってもよい。  On the other hand, the valve element operating section on the developing device side is not shown in this example, but it suffices to operate the valve operating section 309 up and down. For example, an example in which the valve operating portion 309 is moved up and down by moving the chuck up and down with the chuck operating the valve operating portion 309. Further, a member that can be fitted to the lower end of the valve operating portion 309 may be a valve body operating portion, and the valve operating portion in the fitted state may be moved up and down to move up and down.
また、 現像装置側のトナーの排出経路は、 導通路 3 0 5から排出されるものを 受容できるものであれば足りる。 即ち、 排出経路の口部は、 図 1 1には図示して いないが、 内部に トナーを排出できる接続孔を有する筒状体のものでよく、 さら に、 この筒状体は、 排出部 3 0 1の導通路 3 0 5の内部に嵌入するタイプのもの でもよいし、 或いは、 排出部 3 0 1の下端部の鍔部 3 0 4の外周部の外側に覆い 被さるように適合するようなタイプのものでもよい。  Further, the toner discharge path on the developing device side is only required to be able to receive the toner discharged from the conduction path 305. In other words, the mouth of the discharge path is not shown in FIG. 11, but may be a cylindrical body having a connection hole through which toner can be discharged. 01 may be of a type that fits inside the conduction path 3 05, or may be adapted to cover the outside of the outer periphery of the flange 304 at the lower end of the discharge section 301. It may be of the type.
導通路 3 0 5の内部に嵌入するタイプのものでは、 弁作動部 3 0 9の下端部を  In the case of the type that fits inside the conduction path 305, the lower end of the valve actuation section 309 is
2 4 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 作動させる弁体操作部は、 その筒状体の先端部に設けられていることが望ましく 、 且つ押圧体と筒状体との間にトナーが通過し得る空間が設けられる必要がある 同様に、 排出部 3 0 1の外周部に適合するタイプのものでは、 弁作動部 3 0 9 を作動させる弁体操作部は、 筒状体の上端から下方の接続孔の内部に形成される 必要があり、 且つ、 その押圧体と筒状体の内周面との間にトナーが通過し得る空 間が形成される必要がある。 2 4 Replacement form (Rule 26) It is desirable that the valve body operating section to be operated is provided at the tip of the tubular body, and that a space through which toner can pass must be provided between the pressing body and the tubular body. In the case of the type that fits the outer periphery of the discharge section 301, the valve element operation section that operates the valve operation section 309 must be formed inside the connection hole below the upper end of the cylindrical body. Further, a space through which the toner can pass must be formed between the pressing body and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body.
また、 導通路 3 0 5から装置のトナー貯溜槽に、 トナーを筒状体等の制限され た導通路を介さずに排出するようにしてもよい。  Further, the toner may be discharged from the conduction path 305 to the toner storage tank of the apparatus without passing through a restricted conduction path such as a cylindrical body.
この実施形態のトナーの排出方法は、 以下の通りである。  The method of discharging the toner according to this embodiment is as follows.
装置の弁体操作部に、 弁作動部 3 0 9を係合させ、 この状態で弁作動部 3 0 9 を上方に向かって押し込んでゆく。 これにより弁作動部 3 0 9が上方に移動して 、 排出口 3 0 8と気密に嵌合していた弁体 3 0 7が、 排出口 3 0 8から分離して 、 内部のトナーが排出される。 排出完了時には、 逆の動きによって、 弁体 3 0 7 の主嵌合部 3 1 1が排出口 3 0 8と嵌合して、 トナーの排出が停止するものであ る。 その際、 排出動作の動きの途中においても、 ガイ ド板 3 1 0によって、 余剰 のトナ一の排出が防止されるものである。  The valve operating section 309 is engaged with the valve operating section of the device, and in this state, the valve operating section 309 is pushed upward. As a result, the valve operating portion 309 moves upward, and the valve element 307 which has been airtightly fitted to the discharge port 308 is separated from the discharge port 308 to discharge the toner inside. Is done. When the discharge is completed, the main fitting portion 311 of the valve body 307 is fitted to the discharge port 308 by the reverse movement, and the discharge of the toner is stopped. At that time, even during the movement of the discharging operation, the guide plate 310 prevents the excessive toner from being discharged.
この例では、 弁作動部 3 0 9を弁体 3 0 7と一体に形成したが、 両者を分離可 能に設けてもよい。 その場合には、 弁作動部 3 0 9と弁体 3 0 7とを、 嵌合等に よって連結されるものとして実施することも可能である。 この嵌合の構造として は、 図 2の実施の形態における連結部と弁体操作部との嵌合と同様の構造とする ことができるものである。  In this example, the valve operating portion 309 is formed integrally with the valve element 307, but both may be provided so as to be separable. In that case, the valve operating section 309 and the valve element 307 can be implemented as being connected by fitting or the like. The structure of this fitting can be the same as the fitting of the connecting portion and the valve body operating portion in the embodiment of FIG.
この説明から理解されるように、 この実施の形態では、 弁作動部 3 0 9は弁体 3 0 7の一部を構成するものであり、 装置の弁体操作部に対する連結部は、 弁作 動部の下端等の適宜箇所に設けられることとなる。 尚、 装置の弁体操作部の形態 を弁作動部 3 0 9の形態と同じものとし、 弁作動部 3 0 9と同様の形態の弁体操 作部と弁体 3 0 7とを、 図 2の実施の形態における連結部と弁体操作部との嵌合  As can be understood from this description, in this embodiment, the valve operating section 309 constitutes a part of the valve element 307, and the connecting portion of the device to the valve element operating section is a valve operating section. It will be provided at an appropriate place such as the lower end of the moving part. The configuration of the valve element operating section of the device is the same as that of the valve operating section 309, and the valve element operating section and the valve element 3107 having the same form as the valve operating section 309 are shown in FIG. Of the connection part and the valve body operation part in the embodiment of the present invention
2 5 差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) と同様の嵌合等によって、 連結するようにしてもよい 2 5 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) May be connected by the same fitting as above.
2 6 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 図 1 2は、 さらに他の実施の形態を示すもので、 この例では、 トナー容器 4 0 1の全体が硬質の熱可塑性樹脂によって成形されている。 なお、 他の硬質合成樹 脂や金属等の大気圧によって変形しない強度を有する素材を適宜選択して使用す ることもできる。 排出部 2は、 先の各実施の形態に示すものと同じものを採用で き、 このトナー容器 4 0 1の適宜箇所に設けられる。 トナー容器 4 0 1は、 直方 体や立方体、 円柱体等の適宜形状とすることができ、 この例では、 その端面 4 0 1にトナーの排出部 2を形成したものである力、 角部分 4 1 2や、 側面 4 1 3等2 6 Replacement form (Rule 26) FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment. In this example, the entire toner container 401 is formed of a hard thermoplastic resin. It should be noted that other materials such as hard synthetic resins and metals having a strength that does not deform due to the atmospheric pressure can be appropriately selected and used. The discharge unit 2 may be the same as that described in each of the above embodiments, and is provided at an appropriate position of the toner container 401. The toner container 401 can have an appropriate shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, a column, or the like. In this example, a force, a corner 4 1 2 and side 4 1 3 etc.
、 適宜位置に設ければよい , May be provided at an appropriate position
使用方法も先の各実施の形態と同様である。 具体的には、 図示は省略する力 V 排出部 2が下端に位置するように、 トナー容器 4 0 1を複写機等の装置に装着す る。 そして先の例と同様に、 弁体操作部を上昇させることにより、 開状態となる ようにしている。 そのため、 トナーは、 自然落下によって、 弁体操作部の開口部 から排出経路を通って、 ホッパー等のトナー貯溜部に排出される。 但し、 トナー 容器 4 0 1に内部に圧力を加えてトナーを排出させることも可能であり、 その場 合には、 排出部 2をトナー容器 4 0 1の上部に設けておく ことも可能であり、 ま た、 横方向にすることもできる。 これらの場合には、 トナー容器 4 0 1内を高圧 にするために、 トナー容器 4 0 1の適宜箇所に、 空気導入口 （図示せず） 等を設 けて、 内部の気圧を高めてトナーの排出をなすようにすればよい。 また、 自然落 下の場合にも、 内部の気圧を高める必要はないが、 空気導入口 （図示せず） を設 けて、 内部の気圧が低下しないようにしてもよい。 さらに、 トナー容器 4 0 1内 に搬送スクリユーやアジテ一タ等を設けて機械的な排出部 2にトナーが円滑に供 給されるようにしてもよい。  The method of use is the same as in each of the above embodiments. Specifically, the toner container 401 is mounted on an apparatus such as a copying machine such that the force V discharge unit 2 (not shown) is located at the lower end. Then, as in the previous example, the valve operating section is raised to open. Therefore, the toner is discharged by a natural fall from the opening of the valve element operating section through the discharge path to a toner storage section such as a hopper. However, it is also possible to discharge the toner by applying pressure to the inside of the toner container 401, and in that case, it is also possible to provide the discharge part 2 above the toner container 401. It can also be horizontal. In these cases, an air inlet (not shown) or the like is provided at an appropriate position in the toner container 401 to increase the pressure inside the toner container 401, and the internal pressure is increased. Should be discharged. In the case of natural fall, it is not necessary to increase the internal pressure. However, an air inlet (not shown) may be provided to prevent the internal pressure from lowering. Further, a transport screw or an agitator may be provided in the toner container 401 so that the toner is smoothly supplied to the mechanical discharge unit 2.
以上、 本願発明は上記の各実施の形態として具現化され得るが、 特に、 下記の 構成として実施することが有利である。 即ち、 現像装置用の粉粒体又は液体のト ナ一を収納した トナー容器と、 このトナー容器から現像装置にトナーを補給する ための排出部とを備えた トナーカートリッジにおいて、 トナー容器が、 トナー容 器内のトナーの减量に応じて収縮する収縮部を備え、 トナー排出部が、 トナーの  As described above, the present invention can be embodied as each of the above embodiments, but it is particularly advantageous to implement the present invention as the following configuration. That is, in a toner cartridge including a toner container for accommodating a powder or a granular toner for a developing device and a discharge unit for replenishing toner from the toner container to the developing device, the toner container includes a toner container. It has a shrinking part that shrinks according to the amount of toner in the container.
2 7 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 排出口と、 現像装置の弁体操作部の作動状態においてこの排出口を開く と共に、 現像装置の弁体操作部の非作動状態においてこの排出口を閉じる弁体とを備え、 この弁体が排出口と嵌合することによって排出口を閉じる主嵌合部を備えたもの とする。 これにより、 トナー容器からのトナーの排出完了時には、 排出口が弁体 によって閉ざされるものであるため、 トナーの漏れが生じない。 し力、も、 弁体と 排出口とは嵌合状態 （特に、 望ましくは強制嵌合） となっているため、 振動等に よっても容易に嵌合が外れることがなく、 確実な排出防止やトナ一の漏れの防止 を図るとこができる。 さらに、 しかも、 トナー容器が、 トナー容器内のトナーの '减量に応じて収縮する収縮部を備えているため、 トナー容器内のトナーの排出に 応じてトナー容器が収縮するため、 容器内に空気が入らない状態で、 トナーを排 出できる。 その結果、 内部のトナーの品質が良好に保たれるものである。 さらに2 7 Replacement form (Rule 26) A discharge port, and a valve element that opens the discharge port when the valve element operation section of the developing device is in operation and closes the discharge port when the valve element operation section of the development device is not in operation. It shall have a main fitting part that closes the discharge port by fitting to the outlet. Thus, when the discharge of the toner from the toner container is completed, the discharge port is closed by the valve body, so that the toner does not leak. Also, since the valve body and the discharge port are in a fitted state (especially, desirably a forced fit), the fitting is not easily disengaged even by vibration or the like. This can help prevent leakage of toner. Furthermore, since the toner container has a shrinking portion that shrinks in accordance with the amount of toner in the toner container, the toner container shrinks in response to the discharge of the toner in the toner container. Toner can be discharged without air. As a result, the quality of the toner inside is kept good. further
、 弁体操作部にトナーの排出経路を設けた場合や、 或いは、 導通路 3 0 5に装置 側の筒状体等の排出路を直結させることによって、 トナー容器内部と トナー貯溜 部とが密閉された経路によって直結する状態として実施することにより、 トナー の排出時に、 外部からの空気を巻き込むおそれを無くすことができる。 これによ り、 装置側にも、 より安定した状態のトナーを補給することができるものである 上記の各実施の形態において、 トナー容器内へのトナーの充塡は種々の方法を 取ることができるが、 充填に際して、 排出と逆の手順を採る事により、 より望ま しい充塡状態を容易に得ることができるものである。 即ち、 弁体操作部にトナー 排出経路を設けた場合には,、 このトナー排出経路をトナー充塡装置の充塡用の経 路として実施すればよい。 言い換えれば、 弁体操作部がトナー充塡装置の充塡用 のノズルとなるものである。 また、 図 1 1の例では、 図示はしていないが、 筒状 体等のトナーの排出経路を、 トナーの充塡経路として充塡すればよい。 即ち、 こ の充塡経路としては、 導通路 3 0 5に充塡することができる筒状体等の形態を備 えたものとすればよく、 具体的には、 充塡経路の口部は、 内部に トナーを充塡で きる接続孔を有する筒状休のものでよく、 さらに、 この筒状体は、 排出部 3 0 1 By providing a toner discharge path in the valve operating section, or by directly connecting a discharge path such as a cylindrical body on the device side to the conduction path 305, the inside of the toner container and the toner storage section are sealed. When the toner is discharged in a state where the air is directly connected, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that air from the outside is entrained. This makes it possible to supply toner in a more stable state to the apparatus side. In each of the above embodiments, the toner can be filled into the toner container by various methods. Although it is possible, a more desirable filling condition can be easily obtained by taking the reverse procedure of discharging when filling. That is, when a toner discharge path is provided in the valve body operation unit, the toner discharge path may be implemented as a charging path of the toner charging device. In other words, the valve element operation unit serves as a nozzle for charging the toner charging device. Although not shown in the example of FIG. 11, the toner discharge path such as a cylindrical body may be filled as the toner charging path. In other words, the charging path may have a form such as a cylindrical body that can fill the conduction path 305. Specifically, the mouth of the charging path is It may be a cylindrical member having a connection hole in which toner can be filled.
2 8 差替え用紙 （規則 26) の導通路 3 0 5の内部に嵌入するタイプのものでもよいし、 或いは、 排出部 3 0 1の下端部の鍔部 3 0 4の外周部の外側に覆い被さるように適合するようなタイ プのものでもよい 特に、 トナー容器として収縮部を備えたものを採用した場合 には、 トナー容器の収縮部が収縮した状態から、 トナーを排出部から注入するこ とにより、 トナー容器内をトナーによって満たすようにすればよい。 このように 、 トナー容器内に、 空気が殆ど混入していない状態から、 トナーをトナー容器内 に充塡することができるため、 容器内をほぼ完全に トナーで満たすことができ、 長期保存しても トナーの変質を防止し得る。 しかも、 トナー容器の収縮部を完全 に収縮させて容器内に実質的に空気が残っていない状態から充塡を行うため、 充 塡時に容器内の空気を逃がしたり吸引したりする必要がなく、 充塡速度の高速化 を図ることができるものである。 2 8 Replacement form (Rule 26) Or a type that fits over the outer periphery of the flange 304 at the lower end of the discharge section 301. In particular, when a toner container having a shrinkage portion is used, the toner container is filled with toner by injecting toner from the discharge portion after the shrinkage portion of the toner container has shrunk. What is necessary is just to satisfy. As described above, since the toner container can be filled with the toner from a state where air is hardly mixed in the toner container, the container can be almost completely filled with the toner, and the toner container can be stored for a long time. Can also prevent deterioration of the toner. Moreover, since the contraction portion of the toner container is completely contracted and the toner is filled from a state in which substantially no air remains in the container, there is no need to release or suck the air in the container at the time of filling. The filling speed can be increased.
尚、 本願発明は、 上記の実施の形態の他、 種々変更し得るものであり、 例えば 、 各実施の形態の腕部は、 常時、 下方 （弁体が排出口を閉じる方向） に付勢され ているものであってもよい。 また、 ガイ ド板 3 1 0を、 他の実施の形態の弁体操 作部に設けて実施することもできる。 また、 トナーの排出に際しては、 自然落下 によつて排出することができる力く、 トナー容器の収縮部に圧力を外から加えて、 トナーの排出を積極的に促すようにしてもよい。  The present invention can be variously modified in addition to the above-described embodiment. For example, the arm of each embodiment is always urged downward (in the direction in which the valve body closes the discharge port). May be used. Further, the guide plate 310 may be provided in a valve body operating section of another embodiment, and may be implemented. When discharging the toner, the toner can be positively discharged by applying a pressure to the contracted portion of the toner container from the outside with a force that can be discharged by natural fall.
更に、 トナーの排出を積極的に促す手段としては、 ピス トン等の機械的に力を 加える装置によって、 このトナー容器の収縮部に圧力を外から加える手段を示す ことができる。 また、 現像装置に設けられたポンプによって、 トナーを吸引する こともできる。 何れにしても、 自然落下以外に、 機械的或いは流体圧力によって トナ一容器からのトナーの排出を積極的に促進する手段を付加して実施すること ができる。  Further, as means for positively promoting the discharge of the toner, means for externally applying pressure to the contracted portion of the toner container by a device for applying a mechanical force such as a piston can be shown. Further, the toner can be sucked by a pump provided in the developing device. In any case, in addition to the natural fall, a means for positively promoting the discharge of toner from the toner container by mechanical or fluid pressure can be added.
また、 上記の充塡に関してさらに詳しく説明すると、 弁体操作部にトナー排出 経路を設けた場合には、 このトナー排出経路をトナー充塡装置の充塡用の経路と して実施すればよく、 具体的には、 上記の各実施の形態における弁体操作部を、 トナー充塡装置の充塡用のノズルとすることができる。 即ち、 トナー充塡装置 （  Further, when the charging is described in more detail, when a toner discharge path is provided in the valve body operation unit, the toner discharge path may be implemented as a charging path of the toner charging device. Specifically, the valve operating unit in each of the above embodiments can be a filling nozzle of the toner filling device. That is, the toner charging device (
2 9 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 図示せず） に設けられたパイフ 'やチューブ等の粉体供給路 （図示せず） の先端に 、 上記の各実施の形態に示す弁体操作部を設け、 充塡用のノズルとする。 そして 、 トナー充塡装置 （図示せず） を作動させ、 このトナー充塡装置 （図示せず） に 設けられたポンプ等の圧送手段や自然落下によって、 トナー容器内に充塡する。 充塡のための他の形態としては、 図 1 3に示すように、 先の各実施の形態の排 出部 2と同じ構造を備えた第 2排出部 6 0 2を、 トナー容器 6 0 1に設けること もできる。 このトナー容器 6 0 1としては.、 先の実施の形態と同様の収縮部を備 えたトナー容器 1であってもよく、 収縮部を備えておらず、 大気圧によって変形 しない強度を有する剛性の高いトナー容器 4 0 1であってもよい。 そして、 トナ 一容器 6 0 1の排出部 2を、 トナーの充塡経路として利用するものであり、 弁体 操作部 4を トナー充塡装置の充塡用のノズルとして、 トナーをトナー容器 6 0 1 内に充塡する。 その際、 第 2排出部 6 0 2に、 先の各実施の形態の弁体操作部 4 と同様の形態を備えた弁体操作部 6 0 3を接続する。 第 2排出部 6 0 2から弁体 操作部 6 0 3を経て、 トナー容器 6 0 1内の空気を逃がす。 これにより、 トナー 容器 6 0 1内の圧力を一定に保つことができる。 この場合には、 流路にフィルタ を配位する等して、 トナーの流出を防止する手段を施した第 2排出部 6 0 2又は 弁体操作部 6 0 3を用いて、 空気の排出を行うようにすることも望ましい。 さら に、 空気の排出に際しては、 自然に流出させる他、 ポンプ等の吸引手段 （図示せ ず） によって、 積極的に空気を トナー容器 6 0 1から排出するようにしてもよい 。 即ち、 ポンプ等の吸引手段に接続された吸引ノズルとして、. 弁体操作部 6 0 3 を採用し、 第 2排出部 6 0 2から弁体操作部 6 0 3を経て、 トナー容器 6 0 1内 の空気を、 吸引手段によって吸引する。 2 9 Replacement form (Rule 26) At the end of a powder supply path (not shown) such as a pipe or a tube provided at the end (not shown), the valve element operating section described in each of the above embodiments is provided to serve as a filling nozzle. Then, a toner charging device (not shown) is operated, and the toner is charged into the toner container by a pressure feeding means such as a pump provided in the toner charging device (not shown) or by natural fall. As another mode for filling, as shown in FIG. 13, a second discharge section 602 having the same structure as the discharge section 2 of each of the above-described embodiments is provided. Can also be provided. The toner container 61 may be a toner container 1 having a contraction portion similar to that of the above-described embodiment. The toner container 6 does not have a contraction portion and has a rigidity that does not deform due to atmospheric pressure. A high toner container 401 may be used. Then, the discharge unit 2 of the toner container 61 is used as a toner charging path, and the valve element operation unit 4 is used as a nozzle for charging the toner charging device. Fill within 1. At this time, a valve element operating section 603 having the same form as the valve element operating section 4 of each of the above embodiments is connected to the second discharge section 602. The air in the toner container 601 is released from the second discharge part 602 through the valve element operation part 603. Thereby, the pressure in the toner container 600 can be kept constant. In this case, the air is discharged using the second discharge section 602 or the valve element operation section 603 provided with a means for preventing the outflow of the toner by, for example, arranging a filter in the flow path. It is also desirable to do so. Further, when the air is discharged, air may be naturally discharged from the toner container 61 by suction means (not shown) such as a pump, in addition to the natural flow. That is, as a suction nozzle connected to a suction means such as a pump, a valve body operation section 603 is adopted, and a toner container 6001 is passed from the second discharge section 602 through the valve body operation section 603. The air inside is sucked by the suction means.
尚、 この第 2排出部 6 0 2及び弁体操作部 6 0 3の代わりに、 圧力調整弁や逆 止弁を設けて実施することもできる力 この第 2の排出部 6 0 2においては、 弁 体操作部 6 0 3の接続を解除した後は、 前述の特殊な弁構造によって、 確実な閉 鎖が実現する点で有利である。  It should be noted that a force that can be implemented by providing a pressure regulating valve or a check valve in place of the second discharge unit 602 and the valve body operation unit 603 is used. After the connection of the valve body operation part 603 is released, it is advantageous in that the above-mentioned special valve structure realizes a reliable closing.
次に、 このトナーの充填工程の後に （即ち、 トナーの供給が停止した後に） 、  Next, after the toner filling step (that is, after the supply of the toner is stopped),
3 0 差替え用紙 (規則 26) トナー容器 6 0 1力、ら、 空気を排出することもできる。 これは、 上記の充塡中の 空気の排出に引き続き行うこともでき、 別工程で行うこともできる。 別工程で行 う場合には、 第 2排出部 6 0 2を用いないトナー容器 （例えば図 1に示す、 1つ の排出部 2のみを備えた トナー容器 1 ) として実施することもできる。 この場合 には、 トナー容器】.から、 充塡のための弁体操作部 4を外した後、 吸引手段に接 続された弁体操作部 6 0 3を排出部 2に接続し、 吸引作業を行う。 この場合には 、 排出部 2にフィルタを設けると、 トナーの排出が困難となるため、 吸引手段に 接続された弁体操作部 6 0 3に、 フィルタを配位する等して、 トナーの流出を防 止する手段を施すことが好ましい。 3 0 Replacement paper (Rule 26) Air can also be exhausted from the toner container. This can be carried out following the above-mentioned discharging of air during the filling or in a separate step. In the case where the process is performed in a separate process, the toner container can be implemented as a toner container not using the second discharge portion 602 (for example, a toner container 1 having only one discharge portion 2 shown in FIG. 1). In this case, after removing the valve element operation part 4 for filling from the toner container], connect the valve element operation part 60 3 connected to the suction means to the discharge part 2 and perform the suction operation. I do. In this case, if a filter is provided in the discharge section 2, it becomes difficult to discharge the toner. Therefore, the filter is disposed in the valve operating section 603 connected to the suction means, and the toner is discharged. It is preferable to provide a means for preventing the occurrence of blemishes.
上記の強制的な空気の吸引に関しては、 真空若しくはこれに近い状態まで、 空 気を吸引することもできる力 あまり吸引し過ぎると、 逆にトナーが固まり、 そ の流動性が低下するため、 トナーの保存並びに使用に適する空気量 （気圧） まで 、 吸引することが望ましい。  Regarding the above-mentioned forced air suction, a force that can also suck air up to a vacuum or a state close to the vacuum If too much suction is applied, the toner solidifies and the fluidity of the toner decreases. It is desirable to aspirate up to the amount of air (atmospheric pressure) suitable for storage and use.
このトナー容器内の空気の吸引は、 収縮部を備えたトナー容器 1において実施 することが適している力、 大気圧によって変形しない強度を有する劂性の高いト ナー容器 4 0 1について、 同様の事を行うこともできる。 上記のように、 第 2排 出部を設けることにより、 トナー容器内へのトナーの充塡中並びに充塡後に、 ト ナー内の空気を排出して、 トナー容器の内の気圧の調整を行うことかできる他、 この第 2排出部を利用して、 空気や他の流体をトナー容器内に流入させることも できる。 また、 このような、 流体の排出、 流入は、 トナー容器の移送中や、 トナ 一容器を現像装置にセッ 卜した後に行うこともできるものであり、 特に、 トナー 容器から第 1の排出部を介して トナーを排出させる作業中に行うこともできる。 従って、 この第 2排出部は、 トナーの容器の内の圧力調整や雰囲気の調整に、 随 時利用され得るものである。  The suction of the air in the toner container is performed in the same manner as in the case of the toner container 1 having a contracting portion, the force suitable for being carried out, and the highly viscous toner container 401 having a strength not deformed by atmospheric pressure. You can also do things. As described above, by providing the second discharge portion, the air in the toner is discharged during and after filling the toner in the toner container, and the air pressure in the toner container is adjusted. In addition to this, air and other fluids can flow into the toner container using the second discharge portion. In addition, such discharge and inflow of the fluid can be performed during transfer of the toner container or after the toner container is set in the developing device. In particular, the first discharge portion is discharged from the toner container. It can also be performed during the operation of discharging the toner through. Therefore, the second discharge unit can be used as needed for adjusting the pressure and the atmosphere in the toner container.
最後に、 排出部側の弁体と弁体操作部との着脱に関して、 有利な機構を説明す る。 まず、 着脱に関する第 1の例として、 弁休操作部と共に複写機等の現像装置 側に設けられたレバーゃスプリ ング等の動作部材によって、 トナー容器に設けら  Finally, an advantageous mechanism for attaching and detaching the valve body on the discharge section side to the valve body operation section will be described. First, as a first example of attachment / detachment, an operation member such as a lever spring provided on a developing device side such as a copying machine together with a valve rest operation section is provided on a toner container.
3 1 3 1
差替え用紙 （規則 26) れた排出部を動かし、 排出部側の弁体と弁体操作部との連結を手動又は自動で解 除する例を示す。 Replacement form (Rule 26) An example is shown in which the discharged discharge section is moved and the connection between the valve element on the discharge section side and the valve element operation section is manually or automatically released.
図 1 4及び図 1 5に示すように、 弁体操作部 4は、 複写機等の現像装置のトナ ー貯溜部に、 下端の開口 4 2 cが導通した状態で固定されている。 より詳しくは 、 弁体操作部 4の開口 4 2 cの端部側には、 支持部 4 5が形成され、 この支持部 As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the valve body operation unit 4 is fixed to a toner storage unit of a developing device such as a copying machine in a state where an opening 42 c at a lower end thereof is conductive. More specifically, a support portion 45 is formed on the end side of the opening 42c of the valve body operation portion 4.
4 5が、 現像装置に固定されている。 この現像装置には、 排出部 2側の弁体 3と 弁体操作部 4との着脱のための動作部材として、 スライ ド式のレバー 5 0 1が形 成されている。 このレバ一 5 0 1の上面 5 0 2には、 スライ ド方向に ¾つて伸び る長孔 5 0 3が形成されている。 この長孔 5 0 3内には、 弁体操作部 4が上下に 貫通するように、 配位されている。 また、 この長孔 5 0 3の周縁には、 平坦部 5 0 4と、 平坦部 5 0 4から後方 （図 1 4の右方向、 言い換えると、 弁体操作部 4 から遠ざかる方向） に向かうに従って漸次上昇する斜面部 5 0 5とが形成されて いる。 平坦部 5 0 4は、 排出部 2の下端のフランジ部 2 4を載置できる程度の広 さを備え、 図 1 4に示すように、 排出部 2側の弁体 3が弁体操作部 4に嵌合した 状態にて、 排出部 2のフランジ部 2 4が平坦部 5 0 4に当接している。 斜面部 5 0 5の後端には、 レバ一 5 0 1を押してスライ ドさせるための指掛け部 5 0 6が 形成されており、 その下方には、 スプリング受け 5 0 7が設けられている。 他方、 弁体操作部 4の支持部 4 5における、 スプリング受け 5 0 7に対向する 部分にも、 スプリ ング受け 4 7が形成されており、 両スプリング受け 5 0 7 , 4 7間に、 スプリ ング 5 0 8が配位されている。 このスプリング 5 0 8は、 レバー45 is fixed to the developing device. In this developing device, a slide-type lever 501 is formed as an operating member for attaching and detaching the valve element 3 on the discharge section 2 side and the valve element operation section 4. On the upper surface 502 of the lever 501, an elongated hole 503 extending in the sliding direction is formed. In the elongated hole 503, the valve body operation part 4 is arranged so as to penetrate vertically. In addition, along the periphery of the elongated hole 503, there is a flat portion 504, and the rearward from the flat portion 504 (in the right direction in FIG. 14, in other words, in the direction away from the valve element operation portion 4). A gradually rising slope portion 505 is formed. The flat portion 504 is large enough to mount the flange portion 24 at the lower end of the discharge portion 2, and as shown in FIG. The flange portion 24 of the discharge portion 2 is in contact with the flat portion 504 in a state where the flat portion 504 is fitted. At the rear end of the slope portion 505, a finger hook portion 506 for pushing the lever 501 to slide is formed, and a spring receiver 507 is provided below the finger hook portion 506. On the other hand, a spring receiver 47 is also formed in a portion of the support part 45 of the valve element operation part 4 facing the spring receiver 507, and a spring is provided between the spring receivers 507 and 47. 508 is coordinated. This spring 508 has a lever
5 0 1を常時後方に付勢するためのもので、 この例では、 圧縮コイルスプリ ング が用いられている。 そして、 上記の指掛け部 5 0 6に指を掛けて、 スプリング 5 0 8の付勢力に杭して、 前方 （図 1 4の左方向、. 言い換えると、 弁体操作部 4に 近づく方向） に押すことによって、 レバー 5 0 1が前進し、 その斜面部 5 0 5が 排出部 2のフランジ部 2 4の下方に入り込む。 さらにレバ一 5 0 1を前進させる ことにより、 斜面部 5 0 5がフランジ部 2 4を上昇させ、 その結果、 弁体操作部 4から排出部 2が抜けるものである （図 1 5参照） 。 これにより、 排出部 2が取 This is for always biasing 501 backward. In this example, a compression coil spring is used. Then, put a finger on the above-mentioned finger hook part 506, stake it against the biasing force of the spring 508, and move it forward (to the left in FIG. 14, in other words, in the direction to approach the valve body operation part 4). By pushing, the lever 501 moves forward, and its slope portion 505 enters below the flange portion 24 of the discharge portion 2. When the lever 501 is further advanced, the slope portion 505 raises the flange portion 24, and as a result, the discharge portion 2 comes out of the valve body operation portion 4 (see FIG. 15). As a result, discharge unit 2
3 2 差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) り付けられたトナー容器が自由状態となり、 人の手等で複写機等の現像装置の外 部に取り出すことができる。 また、 弁体操作部 4から排出部 2が抜けた後に、 指 掛け部 5 0 6から指を外すと、 スプリ ング 5 0 8の付勢力で、 初期状態に、 レバ - 5 0 1が後退する。 3 2 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) The attached toner container is in a free state, and can be taken out of a developing device such as a copying machine by hand. Also, if the finger is removed from the finger hook part 506 after the ejection part 2 has come off from the valve element operation part 4, the lever -501 will be retracted to the initial state by the biasing force of the spring 508. .
次に、 排出部 2が設けられた トナー容器を複写機等の現像装置に取り付ける場 合には、 トナー容器の排出部 2を弁体操作部 4に嵌合させるのである力 その際 には、 上記のように、 レバー 5 0 1が後退しているため、 レバー 5 0 1が邪魔に なることはなく、 排出部 2を弁体操作部 4にそのまま簡単に嵌合させることがで き、 この嵌合完了状態において、 排出部 2のフランジ部 2 4が平坦部 5 0 4に当 接する。 これが図 1 4の状態である。  Next, when attaching the toner container provided with the discharge unit 2 to a developing device such as a copying machine, a force that fits the discharge unit 2 of the toner container to the valve element operation unit 4 is used. As described above, since the lever 501 is retracted, the lever 501 is not obstructed, and the discharge section 2 can be easily fitted directly to the valve element operation section 4 as it is. In the fitting completed state, the flange portion 24 of the discharge portion 2 comes into contact with the flat portion 504. This is the state shown in FIG.
上記のレバ一 5 0 1 のスライ ドを確実に行うために、 図 1 6乃至図 1 8に示す ように、 レバ一 5 0 1の両側には、 被案内片 5 0 9 , 5 0 9が下方に向けて設け られている。 この被案内片 5 0 9 , 5 0 9は、 複写機等の現像装置に設けられた 案内溝 （図示せず） にスライ ド可能に嵌められており、 案内溝 （図示せず） に案 内されて、 レバー 5 0 1が前後にスライ ドする。  As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, on both sides of the lever 501, guided pieces 509 and 509 are provided on both sides of the lever 501 so as to surely slide the lever 501. It is provided facing downward. The guided pieces 509 and 509 are slidably fitted in guide grooves (not shown) provided in a developing device such as a copying machine, and are inserted into guide grooves (not shown). Then, lever 501 slides back and forth.
上記の例では、 弁体操作部 4を現像装置側に固定して、 排出部 2を弁体操作部 4に対して接近離反するように動かすための機構を設けたものである。 より具体 的には、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4との着脱のための動作部材として、 排出部 2を 動かすために斜面を備えたレバー 5 0 1を設けたものであり、 このレバー 5 0 1 を作動させるためにスプリング 5 0 8を用いたものである。 但し、 このスプリン グ 5 0 7は、 必ずしも必要ではなく、 人の手で、 レバ一 5 0 1を前後に移動させ るようにしてもよい。 また、 その參カきを自動で行うために、 電動機やエアシリ ン ダ等の躯動現像装置によって、 レバ一 5 0 1を動かすようにしてもよい。 レバー 5 0 1は、 前後に移動するものの他、 上下に移動するものであってもよく、 梃の 原理を応用して、 排出部 2を上方に持ち上げるものであってもよい。 また、 スプ リングを直接排出部 2に作動させて、 排出部 2を押し上げるために利用してもよ い。  In the above example, the valve body operation unit 4 is fixed to the developing device side, and a mechanism for moving the discharge unit 2 so as to approach and separate from the valve body operation unit 4 is provided. More specifically, a lever 501 provided with a slope for moving the discharge unit 2 is provided as an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve element operation unit 4. A spring 508 is used to activate 01. However, the spring 507 is not always necessary, and the lever 501 may be moved back and forth by hand. In addition, in order to automatically perform the engagement, the lever 501 may be moved by a driven developing device such as an electric motor or an air cylinder. The lever 501 may move up and down in addition to moving back and forth, and may lift the discharge unit 2 by applying the principle of leverage. Further, the spring may be directly operated on the discharge unit 2 and used to push up the discharge unit 2.
3 3 差替え用紙 （規則 26) また、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4との着脱のための動作部材として、 排出部 2に おけるフランジ部 2 4等の適宜箇所を上下に移動可能に支持する部材を用いても よい。 このような動作部材を用いることによって、 単に弁体操作部 4から排出部 2を離反させるために動作部材を用いるのではなく、 弁体操作部 4に排出部 2を 接近させるために動作部材を作動させることもできる。 例えば、 前述のように、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4とは、 排出部 2の弁体 3と弁体操作部 4とが分離した状 態、 排出部 2の弁体 3と弁体操作部 4とが完全に嵌合した状態の他に、 排出部 2 の弁体 3と弁体操作部 4との嵌合は完全に離れてはいない力、 弁体 3が閉鎖した 状態の 3種の状態を採ることができるとしている力く、 この 3種の状態を選択し得 るように、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4との距離を選択して、 弁体操作部 4に排出部 2を接近離反させることが容易になる。 3 3 Replacement form (Rule 26) In addition, as an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve element operation unit 4, a member that supports an appropriate portion such as the flange portion 24 of the discharge unit 2 so as to be movable up and down may be used. By using such an operating member, the operating member is not simply used to separate the discharge section 2 from the valve element operating section 4 but is moved to make the discharge section 2 approach the valve element operating section 4. It can also be activated. For example, as described above, the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 are in a state where the valve body 3 of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 are separated, and the valve body 3 of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit In addition to the state in which the part 4 is completely fitted, the fitting between the valve body 3 of the discharge part 2 and the valve body operating part 4 is not completely separated. The distance between the discharge part 2 and the valve body operation part 4 is selected so that these three states can be selected, and the discharge part is provided to the valve body operation part 4. It becomes easy to make 2 approach and separate.
次に、 排出部 2と弁体操怍部 4との着脱のための動作部材は、 排出部 2と弁体 操作部 4との少なくとも何れか一方を移動させ、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4とが相 対的に接近離反する動きをするものであればよい。 従って、 上記の例では、 排出 部 2を移動させたが、 これとは逆に排出部 2を固定して、 弁体操作部 4を移動さ せるものであってもよい。 即ち、 着脱に関する第 2の例として、 トナー容器に設 けられた排出部 2を開閉するために、 排出部 2を固定位置に固定し、 弁体操作部 を手動又は自動で動かすことによって、 排出部 2を弁体操作部 4とを連結した り、 非連結としたりする例を示す。 図 1 9は、 この例を示すもので、 排出部 2は 複写機等の現像装置側に設けられた固定部材 5 1 1によって、 上下に移動不能に 固定される。 この例では、 固定部材 5 1 1に設けられた揷入孔に、 フランジ部 2 4を強制嵌合して上下に移動不能に固定した例を示している力、 例えば、 トナー 容器として、 変形部分のない剛性を備えたものを用いた場合には、 その上端と下 端とを押さえることによって、 固定できる。 また、 チャック等の機械的現像装置 によって、 排出部 2又はトナー容器を固定するようにしてもよく、 この上下に移 動不能な固定の方法は、 適宜手段を採用し得る。  Next, an operating member for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 moves at least one of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4, and moves the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 together. It is only necessary that the and move relative to each other. Therefore, in the above example, the discharge unit 2 is moved, but on the contrary, the discharge unit 2 may be fixed and the valve body operation unit 4 may be moved. That is, as a second example of attachment / detachment, in order to open and close the discharge unit 2 provided in the toner container, the discharge unit 2 is fixed to a fixed position, and the valve operating unit is manually or automatically moved to discharge the toner. An example in which the part 2 is connected to or disconnected from the valve body operation part 4 will be described. FIG. 19 shows this example. The discharge unit 2 is fixed immovably up and down by a fixing member 511 provided on the developing device side such as a copying machine. In this example, a force is shown in which the flange portion 24 is forcibly fitted into the insertion hole provided in the fixing member 5 1 1 and fixed immovably up and down. For example, a deformed portion is used as a toner container. If a rigid body is used, it can be fixed by pressing the upper and lower ends. Further, the discharge unit 2 or the toner container may be fixed by a mechanical developing device such as a chuck, and a fixing method that cannot be moved up and down may employ appropriate means.
他方、 弁体操作部 4は、 上下に移動可能に現像装置に設けられる。 この例では  On the other hand, the valve body operation unit 4 is provided in the developing device so as to be able to move up and down. In this example
3 4 差替え用紙 （規貝 IJ26) 、 弁体操作部 4の下方部に、 被案内部 5 1 2を設け、 この被案内部 5 1 2を上下 にスライ ド可能に受容する案内溝等の案内 5 1 3を現像装置側に設ける。 そして 、 ハンドル 5 1 4を、 弁体操作部 4の下方部から横方向に伸ばして、 ハンドル 5 1 4を上下に動かすことによって、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4との着脱を行うよう にする。 図 1 9は、 排出部 2の弁体 3と弁体操作部 4とが嵌合した状態を示して おり、 この嵌合状態からハンドル 5 1 4を下方に押し下げることにより、 弁体操 作部 4が下方にスライ ドして、 排出部 2の弁体 3から弁体操作部 4が外れる。 この例では、 ハンドルを用いて手動で弁体操作部 4を移動させたが、 前述の例 と同様、 斜面を備えた部材を用いてもよく、 エアシリンダゃ電動機等の機械現像 装置によって自動で移動させるようにしてもよい。 また、 この第 2の例について も、 上記の第 1の例についても、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4との着脱とは、 排出部 2の弁体 3と弁体操作部 4とが連結している状態と連結していない状態との 2つ の状態間の移行を意味するに止まらず、 その中間の半連結状態 （弁体 3と弁体操 作部 4との連結は分離していないが、 弁体 3が閉鎖の状態） との移行をも舍むも のである。 即ち、 連結状態と半連結状態間の移行、 半連結状態と非連結状態との 移行を舍むものである。 さらに、 動作部材は、 これらの移行の内、 少なくとも一 つの移行を補助し、 或いは、 完全に行うものであればよい。 従って、 例えば、 連 結状態から非連結状.態への移行のみを動作部材が行うものとし、 非連結状態から 連結状態への移行は動作部材が行わないものであってもよい。 3 4 Replacement paper (Kaikai IJ26) A guided portion 5 12 is provided below the valve body operating portion 4, and a guide 5 13 such as a guide groove for receiving the guided portion 5 12 vertically slidably is provided on the developing device side. . Then, the handle 5 14 is extended laterally from below the valve body operation section 4 and the handle 5 14 is moved up and down so that the discharge section 2 and the valve body operation section 4 are attached and detached. I do. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the valve body 3 of the discharge section 2 and the valve body operation section 4 are fitted. By pushing down the handle 5 14 from this fitted state, the valve body operation section 4 is moved. Slides downward, and the valve element operating section 4 comes off the valve element 3 of the discharge section 2. In this example, the valve body operation section 4 was manually moved using the handle. However, similarly to the above-described example, a member provided with a slope may be used, and the air cylinder ゃ automatically operated by a mechanical developing device such as an electric motor. You may make it move. In both the second example and the first example described above, the attachment / detachment of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 is performed by connecting the valve body 3 and the valve body operation unit 4 of the discharge unit 2 to each other. Not only means the transition between the two states of the engaged state and the unconnected state, but also the half-connected state in between (the connection between the valve body 3 and the valve operating section 4 is not separated However, the valve 3 is closed). That is, the transition between the connected state and the semi-connected state and the transition between the semi-connected state and the non-connected state are performed. Further, the actuating member may be one that assists or at least completes at least one of these transitions. Therefore, for example, the operation member may perform only the transition from the connected state to the non-connected state, and may not perform the transition from the non-connected state to the connected state.
以上のように、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4との少なくとも何れか一方を移動させ ることにより、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4とを相対的に接近及びノ又は離反させる 動作部材を、 手動又は自動で作動させることによって、 排出部 2と弁体操作部 4 との着脱を実現したため、 着脱に要する手間力軽減され、 容易な着脱を可能とす ることができたものである。 産業上の利用の可能性  As described above, by moving at least one of the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4, the operation member that relatively brings the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4 toward and away from each other is separated. By manually or automatically operating the discharge unit 2 and the valve body operation unit 4, the attachment and detachment was realized, so that the labor required for attachment and detachment was reduced, and the attachment and detachment could be easily performed. Industrial applicability
本願発明は、 複写機やプリンタ' 印刷器等の現像装置に粉体又は液体のトナ 3 5 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 一 （印刷ィンクを含む） を供給するためのトナー力一トリ ッジ及びそのトナー流 通口の開閉構造に利用され得る。 The invention of the present application is intended for use in developing devices such as copiers and printers and printers. (Including a printing ink), and can be used in a structure for opening and closing a toner flow port.
更に、 本願発明は、 上に述べたトナー容器に限らず、 他の多くの種類の液体、 粉体、 又 粒体等の供給容器及びその流通口の開閉構造に応用することができる ものである。  Further, the present invention is not limited to the toner container described above, and can be applied to supply containers for many other types of liquids, powders, granules, and the like, and to the opening / closing structure of the circulation port. .
即ち、 コーヒー、 石けん、 ジュース、 シロッフ'、 塗料、 洗剤、 化粧品、 化学製 品、 モーターオイル、 接着剤、 及び医薬品等の、 他のあらゆる種類の食品、 飲料 、 非食用液体、 粉体、 或いは粒体のために使用することができるものである。 上 述の説明に基づき、 更なる設計変更と組合せ等が当該技術分野の専門家には自明 なことであろう。  That is, all other types of food, beverages, non-edible liquids, powders, or granules, such as coffee, soap, juice, siroff ', paints, detergents, cosmetics, chemicals, motor oils, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Is what can be used for Based on the above description, further design changes and combinations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
3 6 3 6
差替え用紙 （規則 26)  Replacement form (Rule 26)

Claims

請 求 の 範 画 Scope of request
1 . 現像装置用の粉体又は液体のトナーを収納したトナー容器と、 このトナー容 器から現像装置にトナーを供給するための接続部とを備えたトナー力一トリ ッジ において、 1. In a toner cartridge having a toner container containing a powder or liquid toner for a developing device and a connection portion for supplying toner from the toner container to the developing device,
接続部が流通口を備え、 さらにこの接続部が現像装置の弁体操作部の作動状態 において接続部に設けられた流通口を開く と共に、 現像装置の弁体操作部の非作 動状態において流通口を閉じる弁体を備え、 開いた流通口から トナーが排出され るものであることを特徴とする トナー力一卜リ ッジ。  The connection portion has a communication port, and the connection portion opens the communication port provided in the connection portion when the valve element operation portion of the developing device is in operation, and the connection portion opens when the valve element operation portion of the development device is not in operation. A toner power cartridge having a valve body for closing a mouth, wherein toner is discharged from an open circulation port.
2 . トナー容器が、 トナー容器内のトナーの減量に応じて収縮する収縮部を備え たことを特徴とする請求項 1記載のトナーカートリ ッジ。 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner container has a shrinking portion that shrinks according to a decrease in the amount of toner in the toner container.
3 . トナー容器の収縮部が収縮した状態から、 トナーを接続部から注入すること により、 トナー容器内がトナーによって満たされたものであり、 3. The toner container is filled with the toner by injecting the toner from the connection portion after the contracted portion of the toner container is contracted.
弁体が、 流通口に嵌合することによって流通口を閉じる主嵌合部を有し、 且つ 、 現像装置の弁体操作部と連結する連結部を有し、  The valve body has a main fitting portion that closes the flow opening by fitting into the flow opening, and has a connecting portion that is connected to the valve operating portion of the developing device,
現像装置の弁体操作部が非排出状態に相対的に移行する際、 連結部が弁体操作 部と連結された状態で弁体操作部と共に移行して主嵌合部と流通口との嵌合がな されるものであることを特徴とする請求項 2記載のトナーカートリ ッジ  When the valve element operation part of the developing device relatively shifts to the non-discharge state, the connection part moves together with the valve element operation part in a state of being connected to the valve element operation part, and the main fitting part and the distribution port are fitted. 3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the toner cartridge is a toner cartridge.
4 . トナー容器が、 上記の接続部と別個の第 2接続部を備え、 この第 2接続部が 外部との空気の流通を選択的に行うことによって、 トナー容器内の圧力調整がな されるものであることを特徴とする請求項 1乃至 3の何れかに記載のトナー力一 トリ ッジ。 4. The toner container is provided with a second connection portion separate from the above-described connection portion, and the second connection portion selectively controls the flow of air to the outside, so that the pressure in the toner container is adjusted. The toner power cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
5 . トナー容器が、 トナーを接続部から注入することにより、 トナー容器内がト 5. When the toner container injects toner from the connection, the toner container
3 7 差替え用紙 （規則 26) ナ一によつて満たされた後に、 トナーの流出を許さずに容器内の空気の流出を行 う空気の排出手段によって、 トナー容器内の空気の排出がなされたものであるこ とを特徴とする請求項 1乃至 4の何れかに記載のトナーカートリ フジ。 3 7 Replacement form (Rule 26) The air is discharged from the toner container by an air discharging means that discharges the air in the container without allowing the toner to flow after being filled by the toner container. The toner cartridge according to claim 1.
6 . トナー力一トリッジから現像装置用の粉体又は液体のトナーを、 現像装置に 供給するためのトナーカートリ ッジの接続部において、 接続部が、 流通口を備えた本体と、 この流通口に接近離反して流通口を開閉す る弁体と、 流通口を閉じた状態で弁体を固定する固定手段と、 弁体に接続される ことにより弁体を開状態と閉状態との間で移動させる弁体操作部とを備えたこと を特徴とする トナーカートリ ッジの流通口の開閉機構。  6. At the connecting portion of the toner cartridge for supplying powder or liquid toner for the developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device, the connecting portion includes a main body having a flow port, and the flow port. A valve element that opens and closes the flow port while approaching or moving away from the valve; fixing means for fixing the valve element while the flow port is closed; and a state in which the valve element is opened and closed by being connected to the valve element. And an opening / closing mechanism for a toner cartridge distribution port.
7 . トナー力一トリ ッジから現像装置用の粉体又は液体のトナーを、 現像装置に 供給するためのトナー力一トリ ッジの接続部において、 7. At the toner cartridge connection for supplying powder or liquid toner for the developing device from the toner cartridge to the developing device,
接続部が、 流通口を備えた本体と、 この流通口に接近離反して流通口を開閉す る弁体と、 流通口を閉じた状態で弁体を固定する固定手段と、 弁体と一体に設け られることにより弁体を開状態と閉状態との間で移動させる弁作動部を備え、 こ の弁作動部が流通口の内外に渡って設けられると共に、 流通口の外部に配位され た弁体操作部が弁作動部を動かすことによって、 弁体を開状態と閉状態との間で 移動させるものであることを特徴とする トナーカートリ ツジの流通口の開閉機構  A main body having a communication port, a valve body that opens and closes the communication port by moving toward and away from the communication port, fixing means for fixing the valve element with the communication port closed, and a valve body, A valve operating portion that moves the valve body between an open state and a closed state by being provided in the opening, and the valve operating portion is provided inside and outside the flow opening and is arranged outside the flow opening. The opening and closing mechanism of the toner cartridge passage opening, wherein the valve operating unit moves the valve operating unit between the open state and the closed state by moving the valve operating unit.
8 . 弁体操作部が現像装置に設けられ、 現像装置がトナーの供給を必要とすると きにのみ、 弁体操作部が作動して弁体を開状態とし、 トナーの供給が終わったと き弁体操作部が作動して弁体を閉状態とすることを特徴とする請求項 6又は 7記 載のトナーカートリ ッジの流通口の開閉機構。 8. The valve element operating section is provided in the developing device, and the valve element operating section operates to open the valve element only when the developing apparatus needs to supply toner, and the valve is closed when the toner supply is completed. 8. The opening / closing mechanism for a toner cartridge distribution port according to claim 6, wherein the body operation section is operated to close the valve body.
9 . 接続部と弁体操作部との少なくとも何れか一方を移動させることにより、 接 9. By moving at least one of the connecting part and the valve element operating part,
3 8 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 続部と弁体操作部とを相対的に接近及び/又は離反させる動作部材を現像装置に 設け、 この動作部材を手動又は自動で作動させることを特徴とする請求項 6乃至 8の何れかに記載のトナーカートリ ツジの流通口の開閉機構。 3 8 Replacement form (Rule 26) An operating member for relatively approaching and / or separating the connecting portion and the valve element operating portion is provided in the developing device, and the operating member is operated manually or automatically. An opening / closing mechanism for a distribution port of the toner cartridge described in the above.
3 9 差替え用紙 （規則 26) 3 9 Replacement Form (Rule 26)
PCT/JP1998/003678 1997-08-19 1998-08-19 Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same WO1999009460A1 (en)

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EP98938900A EP1006415A1 (en) 1997-08-19 1998-08-19 Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same
KR1020007001628A KR20010023020A (en) 1997-08-19 1998-08-19 Toner cartridge and mechanism for opening and closing communication port of the same
CA002300202A CA2300202A1 (en) 1997-08-19 1998-08-19 Toner cartridge and opening and closing mechanism for pass-through of same

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JP23886697A JP3373143B2 (en) 1997-08-19 1997-08-19 Toner cartridge
JP9/238866 1997-08-19
JP9/327070 1997-11-11
JP9327070A JPH11143204A (en) 1997-11-11 1997-11-11 Mechanism for opening/closing toner discharge port of toner cartridge

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KR20010023020A (en) 2001-03-26
EP1006415A1 (en) 2000-06-07
CA2300202A1 (en) 1999-02-25

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