JPH0355579A - Toner replenishing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily and securely load a cartridge in a developing device and to easily and securely open a seal member by peeling the seal member after projection provided in the cartridge are engaged with a hole, and then opening a port and replenishing toner. CONSTITUTION:Slanting surface parts 9e are provided at opening-side edge parts of projections 9c and 9d and a slanting surface part 9f is provided at the corner part of the projection 9c. The cartridge 9 is loaded from above a developer tank 1 and then a slanting surface part 9e abuts on the developer tank 1, so the cartridge 9 moves down while compressed in the width direction and the projections 9c and 9d engage the hole 8. Consequently, the cartridge is extremely easily and securely loaded in the developing device and the seal member is smoothly peeled off.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a toner replenishing device constituting a dry developing device for electrophotography and electrostatic recording. In particular, it can easily and reliably position and hold removable cartridges. The present invention also relates to a toner replenishing device which has been improved so as to be able to smoothly replenish l.toner.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, dry-type developing devices used in electrophotography and electrostatic recording use a developer powder that is a mixture of a toner made of a non-magnetic material and a carrier made of a magnetic material. In addition to the above, magnetic toner mainly composed of resin and magnetic powder, and mixed powder of non-magnetic toner and magnetic toner are also used. Conventionally, when replenishing the developing device with these toners, a method of manually replenishing the toner from a plastic container was used. Store the toner in the cartridge. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of ways to replenish cartridges by installing them in developing devices. Examples of such replenishment methods are: For example, JP-A-49-
1) As described in Japanese Patent No. 7055, a cartridge is known in which both ends of an elongated cylindrical container are sealed, a toner supply port is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical container, and this toner supply port is sealed with a seal. Also, Utsukai Showa 55-124
As described in Publication No. 6, wings are provided on the outer periphery of the elongated gutter-shaped container, and the container is inserted into the developing device while being held horizontally by the wings. When the container is inserted to the innermost part, the wing and the mating container are connected to each other. Release the engagement with the member. Some structures are known in which the container can be rotated, but all of the above methods involve inserting the container containing toner from the side of the developing device. For example, it cannot be directly applied to devices with lids that open and close, such as facsimile machines and printers. Also, in the toner replenishment means as mentioned above. On the other hand, it is possible to replenish toner relatively smoothly. Not only does the structure of the mating member of the cartridge become complicated. The problem is that it takes a lot of time and man-hours to manufacture. In order to improve the above-mentioned problems, a toner replenishing means using a so-called box-type cartridge has been disclosed for use in devices with an openable top lid (for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 45-2894).
No. 8, Special Publication No. 51-43383. U.S. Patent No. 3.
No. 999,654 specification, etc.). Such a toner replenishing means is particularly effective in the case of a printer or the like in which devices such as terminal devices and displays are arranged around the printer and toner cannot be replenished from the side of the device. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the main parts of an example of a developing device using a box-type cartridge. In the figure, 1 is the developer tank. The cross section is approximately U-shaped, and there is a permanent magnet roll 2 at the bottom end.
and sleeve 3 are provided so as to be relatively rotatable. 4 is a doctor plate, which is installed with a predetermined gap between it and the sleeve 3. 5
is a mixer, which is rotatably installed in the developer tank l.

A supply port 6 shaped like a groove or an elongated hole is provided above the developer tank 1. A lid 7 that can be opened and closed is provided to cover the upper part.

Next, FIGS. 8 to 10 are a cross-sectional view, a bottom view, and a vertical cross-sectional view of essential parts, respectively, showing an example of a conventional box-type cartridge. In these figures, the cartridge 9 is made of plastic or other flexible material such as polyethylene or polystyrene, and has a hollow trapezoidal cross section, and is provided with a stopper 10 corresponding to the supply port 6 shown in FIG. 1 at the bottom. ．． Polyethylene, polypropylene. Sealing member 1 shaped like a band made of a material such as polyamide or polyester (e.g. biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate film)
) and sealed with adhesive. Toner is filled and stored through a filling port (not shown). Note that 12 is the adhesive surface. A sealing member 1) is provided around the opening 10 in a frame-like manner, and is sealed, for example, from the opening end end 9a at the right end to the opening start @9b at the left end. It is shaped so as to be folded back at the opening start end 9b.

When replenishing toner using the cartridge 9 configured as described above. In FIG. 7, after turning M7 to open the upper part of the developer tank l. Install the cartridge 9 with the seal member 1) facing downward and pull the right end of the seal member 1) to the right. Toner (not shown) can be supplied from the opening 10 into the developer tank l shown in FIG.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The sealing member 1) sealed in the opening lO of the toner cartridge 9 having the above structure prevents leakage of stored toner during transportation and storage of the cartridge 9. In addition, in order to prevent moisture absorption from the atmosphere, it is fixed to the adhesive surface l2 via an adhesive (not shown), so it is necessary to apply a considerable tensile force when peeling off the sealing member 1l. Moreover, this tensile force is applied in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 9. When the sealing member l1 is peeled off and/or when the peeling is completed, positional displacement occurs due to tensile force and/or reaction. If such misalignment occurs, not only will the toner not be smoothly replenished into the developer tank 1, but it will also scatter toner outside the supply port, causing damage to the operator's hands. This can contaminate the inside and outside of the developing device, including clothing. There are problems in that it causes inconveniences such as contaminating the office environment and deteriorating the functionality of the developing device. In order to solve the above problems. The applicant has already filed a patent application for the improved invention (Japanese Patent Application No. 63-20521
(See specification No. 3), but FIG. 4 is a sectional view of essential parts showing a developing device in an embodiment of this improved invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a toner cartridge in an embodiment of the improved invention.
The cross section taken along line A-A in the figure is the same as that in Figure 8. Identical parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 7 to 1θ. In Figure 4, 8 is a hole. It is provided near the edge of the supply port 6 and shaped so that it can engage with a protrusion described later.

Next, in FIG. 5, the cartridge 9 is made of plastic or other flexible material such as polyethylene, polystyrene, etc., and has a hollow trapezoidal cross section. At the bottom, there is an opening (not shown) corresponding to the supply port 6 shown in FIG.
After storing the toner (not shown), the polyethylene,
A sealing member 1) (not shown) in the form of a band made of a material such as polypropylene, polyamide, or polyethylene terephthalate is used for sealing with an adhesive. Next, a projection 90 is provided approximately at the center of one edge of the cartridge 9, and two projections 9d are provided approximately near the end of the other edge. Note that the hole 8 shown in FIG. These protrusions 9
Corresponds to c and 9d. In addition, the projections 9c and 9d must be provided so that they can be fitted together.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts showing the state in which the cartridge cartridge 9 is attached to the developer tank 1. Identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 4 and 5 above. In FIG. 6, first, the lid 7 shown in FIG. 4 is rotated to open the upper part of the developer tank l. With the cartridge 9 tilted, the protrusion 9d is engaged with the hole 8 in the direction of arrow a to perform positioning in the longitudinal direction. Next, the protrusion 9C is engaged with the hole 8 while rotating the cartridge 9 in the direction of arrow b. In this case, if the bottom of the cartridge 9 is slightly compressed and deformed, the protrusion 9c and the hole 8
Easy to engage with.

When the cartridge 9 is installed in the developer tank l as described above, the protrusions 9c and 9d of the cartridge 9 are fitted into the corresponding holes 8, and the cartridge 9 is installed at a predetermined position. For example, if you pull the end of the seal member 1) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The opening shown in Figure 6! Toner (not shown) can be replenished into the developer tank 1 from zero. Therefore, the cartridge 9 can sufficiently resist the external force when pulling the seal member 1).

Due to the above improved invention. The effect of preventing the cartridge 9 from being displaced when the sealing member 1) is peeled off and the occurrence of inconvenient situations caused by this could be achieved. However, even with the improved invention described above, there still exist problems in terms of operability that require some improvement. That is, when the protrusions 9c and 9d of the cartridge 9 are engaged with the hole 8 provided in the developing device. Since the hole 8 opens horizontally, the protrusion 9c. The work of positioning 9d is complicated. Further, when the protrusions 9c and 9d are to be engaged with the holes 8, it is necessary to compress and deform the bottom of the cartridge 9. When using a large cartridge 9, there is a problem that the number of operators is limited, and furthermore, the sealing member 1) that closes the opening 10 of the cartridge 9 may shift in a direction perpendicular to the peeling direction during peeling. , and enters between the cartridge 9 and the upper surface of the developer tank 1. This not only makes the peeling work extremely complicated. In some cases, there is also the problem that the above-mentioned intrusion makes it impossible to continue subsequent peeling.

The present invention solves the above problems. The cartridge can be easily and securely installed in the developing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner replenishing device whose seal member can be easily and reliably opened during toner replenishment work.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above objectives. In the present invention, a groove-shaped or elongated hole-shaped supply port is provided above the developer tank that constitutes the developing device. In a toner replenishment device in which a cartridge cartridge is removably connected above the supply port, a cartridge is provided in which an opening corresponding to the supply port is formed from a flexible material and the opening is sealed with a removable sealing member. For example, a protrusion is provided on both edges of the cartridge on the side where the opening is provided, and a sloped portion is provided on the opening side of the protrusion on at least one edge of the cartridge, and the developer supply is provided above the developer rod. A hole that engages with the protrusion is provided near the edge of the mouth, and after the protrusion provided on the cartridge is engaged with the hole, the seal member is peeled off to open the opening and horizontally open so that toner can be replenished. ．． We adopted this technical method. In the present invention, a sloped portion can be provided at the corner of the protrusion, and a guide portion shaped to guide the sealing member can also be provided at the green end of the cartridge on the side from which the sealing member is removed. (Effect) Due to the above structure. The cartridge can be installed in the developing device extremely easily and reliably, and the sealing member can be peeled off smoothly, making it possible to carry out toner replenishment work extremely smoothly. This prevents the cartridge from becoming undesirably misaligned. Environmental pollution caused by toner scattering can be completely eliminated. [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of a main part showing a protrusion of a cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the main parts of the cartridge and developer tank, and the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in Figures 4 to 6 above. In Figures 1 and 2. 9e is a slope portion, and projections 9c, 9
Provided at the opening side edge of d. Next, 9f is the slope part.
Provided at the corner of protrusion 9C. With the above configuration, the cartridge 9 can be inserted from above the developer tank 1. If installed as shown by the arrow in Figure 2, the slope part 9
Since the point e contacts the developer tank 1, the cartridge 9 is compressed in the width direction and moves downward, so that the protrusions 9c and 9d engage with the holes 8. Note that since the protrusion 9C9d is provided with a sloped portion 9f at the corner as shown in FIG. 1, it can enter the hole 8 extremely smoothly. After the cartridge 9 is installed in the developer tank 1 as described above, toner is replenished in the same manner as in the conventional device. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the slope portions 9e and 9f are both flat, but they may be curved or a combination of a flat and curved surface.In short, the thickness and width of the protrusion 9c The shape should be such that the closer it is to the tip, the smaller it becomes. Further, the slope portion 9e is provided only on either one of the protrusions 9C or 9d of the cartridge 9. For example, it may be attached to the developer tank l in the manner shown in FIG. Furthermore, depending on the case, the slope portions 9' of the protrusions 9c and 9d may be omitted. Furthermore, an example was shown in which one protrusion 9c or 9d was provided on one of the edges of the cartridge 9. This is to facilitate positioning of the cartridge 9, and the shape of the cartridge 9. The number of installations can be arbitrarily selected taking into consideration dimensions and other factors. Therefore, even if the protrusions 9c, 9d and holes 8 are provided symmetrically on both edges, the effect is the same. In addition, when removing the cartridge 9, the bottom part provided with the protrusions 9c and 9d is pressed inward to deform the protrusions 9c and 9d.
．． Since the engagement between 9d and the hole 8 can be released, it can be pulled upward as it is.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of main parts of a cartridge 9 in another embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 9 and 10. In Fig. 3, 9g is the guide part. The edge of the cartridge 9 on the peeling side of the seal member l1. That is, it is provided at the opening end end 9a. The width dimension of the guide portion 9g is slightly larger than the width dimension of the sealing member l1, so that the sealing member 1l can be guided.

With the above precautions, even if the sealing member 1l is pulled in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 after the cartridge 9 is installed in the developer tank L as shown in FIG. 6, for example. The guide portion 9g can prevent displacement in the width direction. It can be peeled off smoothly. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of the seal member 1) entering between the cartridge 9 and the developer tank (not shown).

In this embodiment, an example was described in which the cartridge 9 was provided with only the guide portion 9g. A protrusion as in the above embodiment can also be provided. [Effect of the invention] Since the present invention has the structure and operation as described above,
Also due to the tensile force and/or reaction that acts when and/or when the sealing member that seals the opening of the cartridge is peeled off. No misalignment of the cartridge occurs at all. Therefore, toner can be replenished very smoothly, environmental pollution caused by toner scattering can be avoided, and the functions of the developing device can be maintained normally. In addition, the cartridge can be installed in the developing device with a so-called one-touch operation. Toner replenishment work is extremely easy. Furthermore, if a guide section is provided in addition to the cartridge, there is an effect that the peeling operation of the sealing member can be made easier and more reliable.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is an enlarged plan view of the main parts showing the protrusions of the cartridge in the embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the main parts showing the cartridge and the developer tank. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part showing a cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part showing a developing device in an improved invention. Fig. S is a plan view showing the toner cartridge in the improved invention, and Fig. 6 is a sectional view of essential parts showing a state in which the cartridge is attached to the developer tank in the improved invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of main parts showing an example of a developing device using a conventional box-type cartridge.
Figures 1 to 10 are a cross-sectional view, a bottom view, and a vertical cross-sectional view of essential parts, respectively, showing an example of a conventional box-shaped cartridge. l: Developer tank. 6: Supply port tridge, 9c, 9d: protrusion, 9g: guide part. 8: Hole 9e 9: Force 9f: Slope

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In a toner replenishing device in which a groove-shaped or long-hole-shaped supply port is provided above the developer tank constituting the developing device, and a cartridge is detachably connected above the supply port, a flexible material is used. A cartridge is formed by forming an opening corresponding to the supply port and sealing this opening with a removable sealing member, and a protrusion is provided on both edges of the cartridge on the side where the opening is provided, and at least one edge is formed. A sloped portion is provided on the opening side edge of the protrusion on the edge, a hole that engages with the protrusion is provided near the edge of the supply port provided above the developer tank, and the protrusion provided on the cartridge is provided with a slope portion on the edge of the opening side. A toner replenishing device characterized in that the toner replenishing device is configured such that the sealing member is peeled off after being engaged with the sealing member to open the opening and replenishing toner. (2) The toner replenishing device according to claim (1), wherein a sloped portion is provided at a corner of the projection. (3) A claim in which a guide portion formed to be able to guide the seal member is provided at the end edge of the cartridge on the side from which the seal member is removed.
The toner replenishing device described in 1) or (2).