JP6019799B2 - Toner supply container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner replenishing container, and more particularly to a toner replenishing container for replenishing and filling a toner filling target portion.

  In a process cartridge formed as a unit integrated with a developing device and a photosensitive drum, toner is generally replenished when toner is consumed. Toner replenishment is to replenish toner to a toner container (toner filling target portion) such as the process cartridge or toner bottle. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a conventional toner replenishing method.

  Conventionally, a refill kit used when a user fills a toner container with toner has been sold. The refill kit is a combination of toner packed in a toner bag (refill bag) and a funnel. FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating a replenishment method when toner is replenished using a refill kit.

  The refill bag 101 is made of, for example, a bag formed by press-bonding two PE (polyethylene) sheets, in which toner for replenishment is stored. The thickness of the sheet of the refill bag 101 is about 0.02 to 0.1 mm, and aluminum is evaporated on the inside. When the refill bag 101 is cut at the position indicated by the dotted line L1, the refill bag 101 is greatly opened.

  On the other hand, the funnel 102 has a pouring spout 102a having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the filling port 104 of the process cartridge (or toner container) 103 to be filled with toner at the lower end in the drawing and an upper end at the receiving port 102b for receiving toner to be filled from the outside. The tip of the pouring spout 102a is inserted into the filling port 104 provided in the developing device of the process cartridge 103 to be filled.

  When toner is supplied using this refill kit, the spout 102 a of the funnel 102 is inserted into the filling port 104 of the process cartridge 103. Then, the refill bag 101 is positioned on the receiving port 102b at the upper end of the funnel 102 and cut along the dotted line L1. The toner flows out from the opening 101a of the refill bag 101 opened by this cutting to the receiving port 102b of the funnel 102. As a result, the toner moves from the spout 102a to the process cartridge 103 and toner is supplied.

  14A and 14B are diagrams showing another example of the refill bag. FIG. 14A is a front view of the refill bag 101 showing the configuration of the refill bag that also functions as a funnel, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the insertion portion 113 of the refill bag 101 taken along the line AA.

  The refill bag 111 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B is formed into a bag shape by crimping two sheets of aluminum vapor deposited on the PE sheet, similar to the refill bag 101 in FIG. Molded, and replenishment toner is stored inside. In FIG. 14A, the refill bag 111 includes a body portion 112 and an insertion portion 113. The insertion portion 113 is sequentially reduced from the body portion 112 to a preset opening ratio, for example, about 1/3, and has a shape that is elongated and extends downward. Of course, the inside of the insertion portion 113 communicates with the inside of the body portion 112.

  When the plug 113 is cut off at the position indicated by the broken line L2, the spout 113a is opened. The insertion portion 113 is formed to be reduced from the body portion 112 with a predetermined inclination angle, and the toner is guided from the body portion 112 to the insertion portion 113 along the inclined surface 112a formed by this inclination, and the insertion portion. It can flow out through 113.

  At this time, the insertion portion 113 has a narrow and narrow opening shape as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. State. When the insertion portion 113 is inserted into the filling port 104 of the toner cartridge 103 and the body portion 112 is lifted to a position higher than the insertion portion 113 in a state cut by the broken line L2, the toner is discharged from the elongated opening spout 113a. Flows out by its own weight and is filled in the process cartridge 103.

  As an apparatus for supplying toner, for example, an invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-96882 (Patent Document 1) or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-333964 (Patent Document 2) is also known.

  Among these, Patent Document 1 aims to provide a powder replenishing device that can reliably discharge powder in a powder container using a low-cost powder container with a simple structure. In a powder replenishing apparatus that has a powder container provided so as to be replaceable, and replenishes the powder in the powder container to a powder replenishment destination, the end of one side wall as the powder container A powder discharge port is formed on the side, and the powder container is disposed so that the discharge port faces downward in the vertical direction so that the powder moves toward the discharge port. Provided with reciprocating means for reciprocating the powder container, the magnitude of the acceleration that occurs when the powder container that moves forward in the direction of the powder toward the discharge port is stopped. Greater than the magnitude of the acceleration of the body container when it is stopped, and in the powder container Powder discloses the invention which is characterized by being configured to be sized to move integrally form toward the discharge port.

  Further, Patent Document 2 aims to simplify the refilling method by remodeling the toner cartridge and using a refill dedicated hose and to protect the environment by extending the number of times the toner cartridge is used. In the unitized toner cartridge, the toner container is provided with a screw-type hole, and when the refill toner contained in another container is injected into the toner container, the toner container hole and the replenishment toner An invention is described in which the opening of another container that has entered is connected and fitted with a refill dedicated hose for refilling.

  In the conventional technique for supplying toner using the funnel shown in FIG. 13, the opening width of the opening 101a of the refill bag 101 is the same as the width of the body of the refill bag 101, so the opening 101a has a large space. Is secured. Therefore, the toner can move to the funnel 102 without being clogged with the opening 101 a of the refill bag 101.

  In this case, the toner is poured into the funnel 102 from the receiving port 102b at a time, but the opening ratio of the pouring port 102a of the funnel 102 to the receiving port 102b is very small. Therefore, the amount of toner discharged from the spout 102 a to the filling port 104 cannot catch up with the amount supplied from the receiving port 102 b, and the toner accumulates in the funnel 102. When the toner is accumulated in this manner, the toner to be further replenished on the accumulated toner will be scattered or spilled from the receiving port 102b of the funnel 102, and not only the toner container will be soiled but also the surroundings will be soiled.

  This scattering or spillage occurs because the toner is powder, and it is difficult to move the toner from the funnel 102 into the toner container 103 only by the weight of the toner. Therefore, the user tries to promote the movement of the toner by hitting or shaking the funnel 102, but this operation further promotes the scattering or spillage. The operation of the user hitting or shaking the funnel 102 in this way is a very natural action that occurs in order to intuitively think that the toner clogged inside the refill bag 101 can be broken if vibration is applied. is there. Therefore, when the toner is replenished, the contamination of the toner container 103 and its surroundings may be promoted but not suppressed.

  Moreover, when the refill bag 111 as shown in FIG. 14 is used, even if it is inserted into the filling port 104 in a state where the opening area of the spout 113a of the insertion portion 113 is small, the spout 113a is sufficiently opened immediately. Not always. Accordingly, the user often moves the toner to the insertion portion 113 side by shaking or hitting the body portion 112 together with the refill bag 111 or the toner cartridge 103 from the spout 113a. . However, the toner is immediately clogged in the insertion portion 113, and the toner movement stops. Therefore, the toner is forcibly moved by squeezing the insertion part 113 with a finger or shaking or hitting the body part 112.

  As described above, when the toner is forcibly moved, the refill bag 111 is formed of a soft material, and the insertion portion 113 is also integrally formed of the same material. Therefore, the toner is poured into the spout of the insertion portion 113. Often, the air scatters or spills from 113a. In addition, a lot of time is spent on the toner replenishment work by repeatedly clogging the plug 113 and eliminating the clogging.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which reciprocal vibration is applied to a toner container by a machine as described above to supply toner to a developing device while ensuring toner fluidity. However, the user manually supplies the toner from a flexible bag-shaped container that can be reduced in volume, in addition to the flexibility of the bag-shaped container, it is performed while checking the filling condition of the container. Is not easy.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the toner cartridge and the refill toner container are completely connected and fitted so that the toner cannot be leaked during filling. In this configuration, the toner is unlikely to spill outside the toner cartridge during filling. However, the interface is determined so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the toner cartridge and the refill toner container. Accordingly, in order to maintain the structure forming the interface, the material cost and the manufacturing cost increase, and both the toner cartridge and the refill toner container become expensive. This increases the financial burden on the user.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to suppress toner scattering and toner spillage with a simple configuration so that toner can be replenished efficiently.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a flexible portion and a rigid portion on a side surface of a toner supply container that is flat when toner is not stored and expands in accordance with the amount of toner stored when the toner is stored. A body portion in which toner is stored in an internal space, and an insertion portion that is integrally continuous with the body portion and is inserted into the toner filling target portion to transfer the toner stored in the internal space to the toner filling target portion; The rigid portions are disposed on both side surfaces of the body portion, the center of the connection portion between the body portion and the insertion portion, and the center of the edge of the body portion opposite to the connection portion, consist rod-like or plate-like members spaced across the center line connecting the, when an external force is applied from both sides of the body portion in a direction transverse to the migration direction of said toner, said flexible portion by said rigid portion To spread outward Serial to deform the body portion, and wherein the expanding the opening of the internal space and the insertion portion.

According to the present invention, toner scattering and toner spillage can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and toner can be replenished efficiently.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of embodiments.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the refill bag which concerns on Example 1 in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principle which the refill bag shown in FIG. 1 expands geometrically. 6 is an explanatory view showing a refill bag according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of the refill bag which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of the refill bag which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the refill bag which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the refill bag which concerns on Example 4. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the refill bag which concerns on Example 5. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the refill bag which concerns on Example 6. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the refill bag which concerns on Example 7. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the refill bag which concerns on Example 8. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state before use of the refill bag 111 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the method of toner replenishment conventionally implemented. It is a figure which shows the other example of the refill bag used for the toner replenishment conventionally implemented.

In the present invention, when the toner filling target portion is filled with the toner, the space inside the body portion and the insertion portion of the refill bag containing the toner is expanded by the direct operation of the user, and the toner in the refill bag is expanded. It is characterized in that it can easily flow into the toner filling portion by its own weight.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a refill bag according to Example 1 of the present embodiment. In addition, since the external shape of a refill bag is the same as what was shown to Fig.14 (a), the same referential mark is attached | subjected to each same part and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  1A is a front view of a refill bag according to the first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a rear view, and FIG. 1G is a perspective view. As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the refill bag 111 has an upper end edge 112e of the refill bag 111 or a cutting line AA at the center of the side surface 112s of the body portion 112 in the figure. First to fourth operation members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d are provided in parallel with the line. The first to fourth operation members 114a to 114d are rod-like members that are not buckled with a force of a user's operation of a diameter of about 2 mm, which is disposed on each of the side surfaces on both sides of the body portion 112. It is formed by integral molding with the body portion 112. A rigid member is used as the rod-shaped member, but even an elastic member is not easily deformed in a direction perpendicular to the axis when a force is applied in the axial direction of the rod-shaped member. I just need it. The first to fourth operation members 114a to 114d correspond to rigid portions in the claims.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is an insertion portion between the adjacent first and second operation members 114a and 114b and between the third and fourth operation members 114c and 114d. 113 is a line connecting the center 113c in the width direction of the connecting portion 112d of the body portion 112 and the center 112b of the edge 112e on the opposite side of the connecting portion 112d of the body portion 112 (hereinafter referred to as "center line"). 112c is spaced apart from each other. Further, the end portions 115a and 115b of the body portion 112 corresponding to the first and third operation members 114a and 114c and the second and fourth operation members 114b and 114d, which are arranged on the front and back sides, are spaced apart. doing. This relationship is also apparent from the operation explanatory view taken along the line BB showing the opening operation of the refill bag 112 in FIGS.

  More specifically, the refill bag 112 is formed by stacking and sealing two PE sheets with aluminum deposition on the inner side having a thickness of about 0.02 to 0.1 mm as in the conventional example. Each sheet is integrally molded with the first and second operation members 114a and 114b on one side and the third and fourth operation members 114c and 114d on the other side, and an internal space 112v for accommodating toner is formed inside. ing. In the present embodiment, the refill bag 112 has an imaginary line 115 in which the axial centers of the first and second operation members 114a and 114b and the third and fourth operation members 114c and 114d extend in the longitudinal direction. When the user presses both end portions 115a and 115b of the body portion 113 with a finger, the body portion 112 of the refill bag 111 is deformed so as to expand outward.

  This deformation is performed by the following force relationship, for example. That is, when an external force is applied in the inner direction (arrow D1 direction) from both end portions 115a and 115b of the body portion 112, the first to fourth operation members 114a to 114d are not deformed, and thus move to the center line 112c side. With the movement, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the sheet flexibility between the first and second operating members 114a and 114b and between the third and fourth operating members 114c and 114d. A force is applied to this portion (hereinafter referred to as “flexible portion”) 112f in the direction of arrow D2 perpendicular to the direction of arrow D1. As a result, the flexible portion 112f moves or expands in the direction of the arrow D2, and the cross-sectional area of the internal space 112v of the body portion 112 increases.

  1C and 1D, when the body portion 112 is opened by the flexible portion 112f in the direction of the arrow D2, the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 are not opened (opening width E1: FIG. 1). The body part 112 and the insertion part 113 are also opened from (e)) (opening width E2: FIG. 1 (f)), and the spout 113a is opened. 1E and 1F are also cross-sectional views taken along the line AA in FIG.

  When the toner is supplied, the user inserts the insertion portion 113 into the filling port 104 in FIG. 13 and lifts the body portion 112 to a position higher than the insertion portion 113. When a force is applied to both end portions 115a and 115b in the direction of arrow D1, the inner space 112v inside the body portion 112 expands as shown in FIGS. 1 (c) and 1 (d). Further, when the internal space 112v of the body portion 112 is expanded, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 113 is also expanded as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram geometrically showing the principle of expansion of the refill bag shown in FIG. The refill bag 111 in FIG. 1 is replaced with a hexahedron with a fixed side length having first to eighth vertices C1 to C8 as shown in FIG. In this case, the length of the side between the first and second vertices C1, C2, the length of the side between the second and third vertices C2, C3, the side between the third and fourth vertices C3, C4 And the length of the side between the fourth and first vertices C4 and C1 is a. Also, the length of the side between the fifth and sixth vertices C5 and C6, the length of the side between the sixth and seventh vertices C6 and C7, and the length of the side between the seventh and eighth vertices C7 and C8 The length and the length of the side between the eighth and fifth vertices C8 and C7 are each b. Also, the length of the side between the first and fifth vertices C1 and C5 is x, and the length of the side between the second and sixth vertices C2 and C6, and the fourth and eighth vertices C4 and C8, respectively. Let y be the length of the side between the third and seventh vertices C3 and C7.

  When a force is applied to the hexahedron whose side length is fixed in this way so that the first and third vertices C1 and C3 are close to each other (in the direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 2), the second shape in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2B, the second and fourth vertices C2 and C4 are separated from each other (in the direction of the arrow D2) as shown in FIG. It changes into a shape. This change is as described in FIGS. 1C and 1D. When the second and fourth vertices C2 and C4 are deformed so as to be separated from each other in this way, the positions of the lower fifth to eighth vertices C5 to C8 are also changed to the first to eighth positions as shown in FIG. It changes in the same direction as the fourth vertices C1 to C4. As a result, the positions of the sixth and eighth vertices C6 and C8 are also separated, and the lower portion also changes to a thick shape as indicated by an arrow D4 in FIG.

  That is, by applying a force in the direction of the arrow D1 or weakening the force, the space can be deformed while securing the space of the body portion 112. In accordance with this deformation, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 113 is deformed from the state of FIG. 1E to the state of FIG. 1F, and this deformation can increase the cross-sectional area of the insertion portion 113. At this time, the cross-sectional area in a direction parallel to the surface formed by the first to fourth vertices C1 to C4 of the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is increased, and the toner present in the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is increased. The fluidity of both is improved.

  This improvement in fluidity can prevent clogging of the toner at the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area. As a result, the toner can smoothly move from the spout 113a through the filling port 104 into the process cartridge 103. Since the toner can be smoothly moved in this manner, toner scattering can be prevented and toner spillage can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the refill bag 111 has an initial state where the width dimension of the body portion 112 is W1 and the width dimension of the insertion portion 113 is W2 as shown in FIGS. The width dimension W2 of the insertion portion 113 is set with respect to the width dimension W1 of the body portion 112 so that the ratio (W2 / W1) of the width dimensions of the two becomes 1/3 to 1/2.

  Moreover, as the refill bag 111, the thing of the capacity | capacitance of 100 ml to 300 ml is assumed, for example. In an experiment in which the cross-sectional area of the refill bag 111 is increased by an external force applied in the direction of the arrow D1 and the fluidity of the toner is investigated, the capacity of the refill bag 111 is set to 200 ml, and it can be confirmed that the refill bag 111 has good fluidity. It was.

  The insertion portion 113 is made of a transparent polyethylene sheet. Thereby, it can be visually determined whether the toner is clogged or not. Thus, the user can understand the change in the cross-sectional shape of the space inside the body portion 112 and the joint portion 113a of the insertion portion 113 and the body portion 112 if it can be determined visually. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner scattering and toner spillage by adjusting the opening and closing of the body portion 112 by the user's operation.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a refill bag according to the second embodiment. The refill bag is the same as the first embodiment except that the shape of the first to fourth operation members 114a to 114d is different from that of the first embodiment. Omitted.

  3A is a front view of the refill bag according to the second embodiment, FIG. 3B is a rear view, and FIG. 3G is a perspective view. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation members in the present embodiment are composed of fifth to eighth operation members 114 e, 114 f, 114 g, and 114 h, and two operation members are disposed on both side surfaces of the body portion 112. The fifth to eighth operation members 114e to 114h are plate-like members having a rigidity of about 1.0 mm, and are formed integrally with the body portion 112.

In addition, although the rigid member is used for the plate-like member, even if it is an elastic member, when a force parallel to the surface of the plate-like member is received from both ends of the plate-like member, Any material that does not deform or buckle in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the plate-like member may be used.

  Also in this embodiment, when the user presses both end portions 115a and 115b of the trunk portion 112 with a finger, the flexible portion 112f is deformed as shown in FIGS. The space inside the portion 112 is expanded. Furthermore, if the space inside the trunk | drum 112 expands, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion part 113 will also expand from the state of FIG.3 (e) to the state of FIG.3 (f).

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the space of the body portion 112 is secured by applying a force in the direction of the arrow D1 to the both end portions 115a and 115b of the body portion 113 or reducing the force. However, the shape of the internal space 112v can be changed. And according to this deformation | transformation, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion part 113 deform | transformed from the state (opening width E1) of FIG.3 (e) to the state (opening width E2) of FIG.3 (f), and this insertion inserts the insertion part. The cross-sectional area of 113 can be increased. At this time, the cross-sectional area in a direction parallel to the surface formed by the first to fourth vertices C1 to C4 of the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is increased, and the toner present in the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is increased. The fluidity of both improves. As a result, it is possible to prevent clogging of the toner in the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area, and it is possible to prevent toner scattering and to reduce toner spillage as in the first embodiment.

  Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the refill bag according to the second embodiment. 4A is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the refill bag 111 according to the first modification, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 4A.

  The refill bag 111 according to the first modification is formed by forming a portion corresponding to the fifth to eighth operation members 114e to 114h as a thick portion of a PE sheet having an inner surface subjected to aluminum vapor deposition, by the sheet itself. It is. In this modification, the first to fourth thick portions 114m, 114o, 114p, and 114q are integrally formed of a sheet material, and function in the same manner as the fifth to eighth operation members 114e to 114h. In the case of this modification, when the sheet is formed, a thick portion is formed in advance as shown in FIG. 4A, and the front sheet 112-1 and the back sheet 112-2 are formed as shown in FIG. It arrange | positions as shown to a), and it forms as a bag body by sealing a peripheral part. The front side sheet 112-1 and the back side sheet 112-2 are respectively formed with sheet portions 113-1 and 113-2 that form the insertion portion 113, and are three-dimensionally shown in FIG. 3 when sealed. A deformable insertion portion 113 is obtained. Moreover, from FIG.4 (b), it turns out that the thick parts 114o and 114q are shape | molded integrally with the sheet | seats 112-1 and 112-2.

  Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the refill bag according to the second embodiment. 4A is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the refill bag 111 according to the first modification, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 4A.

  In the refill bag 111 according to the second modification, portions corresponding to the fifth to eighth operation members 114e to 114h are formed by deforming the sheet, and the first to fourth bulging portions 114k, 114l, and 114m are formed. , 114n. The refill bag 111 has a desired rigidity when it is deformed by sticking a PE sheet whose inner surface is vapor-deposited and bonded together with a seal. The first to fourth bulging portions 114k, 114l, 114m, and 114n are inclined to ensure toner fluidity when the insertion portion 113 is positioned downward as shown in FIG. 5B. It has been. As can be seen from FIG. 5B, this inclination is such that when the insertion portion 113 is positioned downward, the upper side is wide and the lower side is narrow. Thereby, as indicated by the arrow D3, the toner moves along the inner surfaces of the bulging portions 114l and 114n, and the toner does not stay in the bulging portions 114k, 114l, 114m, and 114n.

  In this modification, the first to fourth bulging portions 114k, 114l, 114m, and 114n are integrally formed of a sheet material with a uniform thickness, and the fifth to eighth operation members 114e to 114h Works in the same way. In the case of this modification, when the sheet is formed, a bulging portion is formed as shown in FIG. 5A, and the front side sheet 112-1 and the back side sheet 112-2 are shown in FIG. It arrange | positions as shown and forms as a bag body by sealing a peripheral part. As in the first modification, the front side sheet 112-1 and the back side sheet 112-2 are respectively formed with sheet portions 113-1 and 113-2 that form the insertion portions 113 and sealed. The three-dimensionally deformable insertion portion 113 shown in FIG.

  Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the refill bag according to the third embodiment. In the refill bag, the first and fourth operation members 114a and 114d are removed from the first embodiment, and the second and third operation members 114b and 114c are left. Since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  6A is a front view of the refill bag according to the third embodiment, FIG. 6B is a rear view, and FIG. 6E is a perspective view. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation member in the present embodiment is composed of the second and third operation members 114b and 114c in the first embodiment. The second and third operation members 114b and 114c are also plate-like members having a rigidity of about 1.0 mm, and are arranged in pairs with the side surface 112s at a rotationally symmetric position with respect to the center line 112c. The body part 112 and the body part 112 are formed by integral molding.

  Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the user presses both ends 115a and 115b of the body portion 112 with a finger, the flexible portion 112f is deformed and the body is shown in FIGS. 6 (c) and 6 (d). The space inside the portion 112 is expanded. Furthermore, when the space inside the trunk portion 112 is expanded, the internal space 112v of the insertion portion 113 is also expanded from the state of FIG. 1 (e) to the state of FIG. 1 (f).

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, by applying a force in the direction of the arrow D1 or weakening the force, the inner space 112v of the body portion 112 is secured and the shape of the space is deformed. Can do. In accordance with this deformation, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 113 is deformed from the state of FIG. 1E to the state of FIG. 1F, and this deformation can increase the cross-sectional area of the insertion portion 113. At that time, the cross-sectional area in the direction parallel to the surface formed by the first to fourth vertices C1 to C4 of the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is increased. When the cross-sectional area is increased, the fluidity of the toner existing in the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is improved. As a result, it is possible to prevent clogging of the toner in the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area, and it is possible to prevent toner scattering and to reduce toner spillage as in the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the number of rod-shaped members is half that of the first embodiment, so that the cost can be reduced accordingly. Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the refill bag according to the fourth embodiment. The refill bag is obtained by removing the fifth and eighth operation members 114e and 114h from the second embodiment and leaving the sixth and seventh operation members 114f and 114g. Since the other parts are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 7A is a front view of the refill bag according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 7B is a rear view, and FIG. 7E is a perspective view. The sixth and seventh operation members 114f and 114g in the fourth embodiment are slightly smaller in size than the operation members in the second embodiment, but are the same in that the operation members are formed in a plate shape. Further, similarly to the third embodiment, they are arranged in pairs with the side surface 112s at a rotationally symmetric position with respect to the center line 112c, and are formed by integral machining with the body portion 112.

  Thus, even if the sixth and seventh operation members 114f and 114g are integrally provided on the body portion 112 of the refill bag 111, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, as in the second embodiment, While securing the internal space 112v of the body portion 112 by applying a force in the direction of the arrow D1 to the both ends 115a, 115b on the extension in the width direction of the operation members 114f, 114g or weakening the force, The shape of the space can be changed. As a result, when the internal space 112v of the body portion 112 expands, the opening width of the insertion portion 113 also increases, and the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the toner moving direction increases.

  When the cross-sectional area is increased, the fluidity of the toner existing in the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is improved. As a result, it is possible to prevent clogging of the toner in the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area, and it is possible to prevent toner scattering and to reduce toner spillage as in the first embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, since the plate-like member is half that of the second embodiment, the cost can be reduced accordingly. Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the refill bag according to the fifth embodiment. The refill bag is different from the third embodiment only in the shapes of the second and third operation members 114b and 114c. Since the other parts are the same, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 8A is a front view of the refill bag according to the fifth embodiment, FIG. 8B is a rear view, and FIG. 8E is a perspective view. In the fifth embodiment, the end on the center line 112c side of the rod-like members of the second and third operation members 114b and 114c shown in FIG. 4 is located at a predetermined position beyond the center line 112c as shown in FIG. (In this embodiment, it extends from the center line 112c to about 1/3 with respect to half the width of the body portion 112).

  Even if the second and third operation members 114b and 114c are configured in this way, if a force is applied in the direction of the arrow D1 to both ends 115a and 115b on the extension in the width direction of the operation members 114b and 114c, the flexible portion 112f is deformed, and the body portion 112 expands in the direction of arrow D2. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the inner space 112v of the body portion 112 is expanded in the same manner as in the third embodiment, and the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 are expanded. Both the fluidity of the existing toner is improved. As a result, it is possible to prevent clogging of the toner in the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area, and it is possible to prevent toner scattering and to reduce toner spillage as in the first embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, since the plate-like member may be smaller than the second embodiment, the cost can be reduced accordingly. Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the third embodiment and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the refill bag according to the sixth embodiment. The refill bag is obtained by changing the planar shape of the first to fourth operation members 114e, 114f, 114g, and 114h from the rectangle to the triangle with respect to the second embodiment. The only difference from the second embodiment is the planar shape of the operating member. Since the other parts are the same, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  Fig.9 (a) is a front view of the refill bag based on Example 1, FIG.9 (b) is a rear view, FIG.9 (c) is a perspective view. The first to fourth operation members 114e, 114f, 114g, and 114h are configured by such triangular plate-shaped members, and the first to fourth operation members 114e, 114f, 114g, and 114h are extended in the width direction. A force is applied to the upper ends 115a and 115b in the direction of the arrow D1. By this operation, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the body portion 112 expands in the direction of the arrow D2, and both the fluidity of the toner existing in the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is the same as in the second embodiment. improves. As a result, it is possible to prevent clogging of the toner in the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area, and it is possible to prevent toner scattering and to reduce toner spillage as in the first embodiment.

  Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the third embodiment and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the refill bag according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 10A is a front view of the refill bag according to the seventh embodiment, FIG. 10B is a rear view, and FIG. 10H is a perspective view. The refill bag 111 according to the present embodiment includes the first and second operation members 114a and 114b among the first to fourth operation members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d according to the first embodiment. The ninth operating member 114i is replaced with the third and fourth operating members 114c and 114d by a tenth operating member 114j consisting of one continuous member. Further, the ninth and tenth operation members 114i and 114j have V-shaped grooves as flexible portions along the center line 112c as shown in FIG. 8A and the plan view thereof in FIG. 116a and 116b are formed. Since the other parts are the same, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10G, the ninth and tenth operating members 114i and 114j are in a straight (not deformed) state when not used before being filled with toner. When the toner is filled from this state, as shown in FIG. 10C, the inner volume is increased at the locations of the V-shaped grooves 116a and 116b, so that a predetermined amount of toner can be accommodated.

  When toner is supplied to the process cartridge 103, the insertion portion 113 is inserted into the filling port 104 as described above. Then, as shown in FIG. 10D from the state of FIG. 10C, the direction of the arrow D1 with respect to both end portions 115a and 115b on the extension in the width direction of the ninth operation member 114i and the tenth operation member 114h. Force on. By this operation, the body portion 112 expands in the direction of the arrow D2, and the fluidity of the toner existing in the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is improved as in the second embodiment. As a result, it is possible to prevent clogging of the toner in the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area, and it is possible to prevent toner scattering and to reduce toner spillage as in the first embodiment.

  In the eighth embodiment, the ninth and tenth plate-like members 114i and 114j are provided on the entire area in the width direction of the body portion 112, one on each side. Therefore, when no toner is stored, the refill is performed. The bag 111 can be held in a flat state. Further, since the toner is folded from the V-shaped grooves 116a and 116b, it can be determined at a glance from the shape of the refill bag 111 whether the toner is filled.

  Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment and function in the same manner.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the refill bag according to the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the insertion portion 113 is not provided along the center line 112 c of the body portion 112, but is provided on the end side of the body portion 112. Thus, in the shape where the position of the insertion part 113 is located on the end side of the body part 112, first and second virtual lines 112c 'and 115 as shown in FIG. 11 are set. The first imaginary line 112c ′ is the cross-sectional center 113c of the joint 113b between the insertion portion 113 and the body portion 112 and the edge of the body portion 112 on the side where the insertion portion 113 is not formed (the upper edge in FIG. 11). ) A line connecting the centers 112b of 112e. The second imaginary line 115 is a line orthogonal to the first imaginary line 112c ', and is set at a position where the user holds the body portion 112 and applies force in the direction of the arrow D1. Then, eleventh to fourteenth operation members 114a ′, 114b ′, the same as the first to fourth operation members in the first embodiment along the second virtual line 115 with the first virtual line 112c ′ as a boundary. 114c 'and 114d' are formed integrally with the sheet.

  Since the other parts are configured substantially the same as in the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the refill bag 111 according to the eighth embodiment configured as described above, the first and second operation members 114a ′ and 114b ′ and the third and fourth operation members 114c ′ and 114d ′ are extended in the width direction. A force is applied to both ends 115a 'and 115b' in the direction of arrow D1. By this operation, the body portion 112 expands in the direction of the arrow D2 as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, and the toner smoothly moves from the filling port 104 into the process cartridge 103 as in the first embodiment. As a result, toner scattering can be prevented and toner spillage can be reduced.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state before use of the refill bag 111 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, in a state where toner is accommodated in the body portion 112, the insertion portion 113 is folded from the joint portion 113 b of the insertion portion 113 and the body portion 112 toward the body portion 112, and is fastened with a tape 117. . Reference numeral 112g is a seal portion. When replenishing the toner, the user peels off the tape 117 when replenishing the toner, inserts the insertion portion 113 into the filling port 104, lifts the body portion 112 to a position higher than the insertion portion 113, and puts the toner in the process cartridge 103. To migrate.

  At that time, since the toner does not enter the insertion portion 113 until the body portion 112 is lifted to a position higher than the insertion portion 113, it is possible to prevent the toner from spilling around the filling port 104 or scattering to the surroundings. it can. Even if toner spills or scatters, it can be minimized.

  In the prior art shown in FIG. 14, the insertion portion 113 fills the body portion 112 with toner and then seals the spout 113a with a seal or the like, but also in the refill bag 111 in the first to seventh embodiments. Either a seal or a tape 117 fastening as in Example 8 can be used.

  Further, the strength of the waist of the polyethylene sheet constituting the refill bag 111 varies depending on the thickness. Therefore, the thickness is set in consideration of the thickness of the polyethylene sheet, the size of the refill bag 111, and the rigidity of the operation member (thickness, width, and length of the rod-like member or plate-like member). In this case, for example, the cross-sectional area is easily expanded (easily deformed) when a force is applied to the refill bag 111 containing toner in the direction of the arrow D1, and the optimum one is selected. The This is because the shape or size of the operation member is different for the first to eighth embodiments, and it is desirable that the optimum one for each embodiment is individually selected.

  In addition to the polyethylene sheet, the refill bag 111 may be made of a material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyimide. In this case as well, the thickness of the sheet is experimentally verified according to the strength of the waist of the sheet, and is appropriately selected.

  Similarly, the operation members in the first to eighth embodiments also have shapes, installation locations, thicknesses, and the like of the operation members based on the ease of deformation operation of the body portion 112 when the user applies a force in the direction of the arrow D1. Material etc. are set. At this time, since the refill bag is discarded after the toner is filled or replenished with the process cartridge 103, it is not necessary to consider the shape retention of the refill bag 111 after filling the toner.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
1) In this embodiment, the toner replenishing container (refill bag 111) is flat when the toner is not stored, and swells according to the amount of toner stored when the toner is stored. A rigid portion is provided, and a body portion 112 in which toner is accommodated in the internal space 112v, and the toner portion 112, which is continuous with the body portion 112, is inserted into the toner filling target portion (process cartridge 103) and stored in the internal space 112v. And the flexible portion 112f and the rigid portion are subjected to an external force in a direction (arrow D1 direction) crossing the toner transfer direction from both sides of the body portion 112. The flexible portion moves or expands outward, and the body portion 112 is deformed so as to expand outward according to this, and the internal space 112v and the insertion portion 1 are deformed. 3 of opening (spout 113a) is adapted to expand.

  As a result, the fluidity of the toner existing in the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 is improved, and it is possible to prevent toner clogging in the insertion portion 113 having a reduced cross-sectional area. As a result, the toner can smoothly move from the spout 113a through the filling port 104 into the process cartridge 103. In addition, since such smooth toner movement is possible, toner scattering can be prevented and toner spillage can be reduced.

  The rigid portions correspond to the operation members 114a to 114j and 114a 'to 114d', and the body portion 112 between the rigid portions functions as the flexible portion 112f.

2) In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 113 of the toner replenishing container (refill bag 111) at the time of toner filling can be guided so as to increase its area when a force is applied to the body portion 112. It is configured as follows. With this configuration, the insertion portion 113 hardly clogs the toner, and the toner is easily moved to a toner filling target such as a process cartridge by its own weight. As a result, the work of the user hitting or shaking the refill bag 111 is reduced, or the force applied to the work is reduced. Therefore, toner spillage and scattering are reduced as compared with a refill bag not having such a configuration. This configuration is excellent in versatility because the interface with the toner filling target is set in advance, so that it is cheaper than that intended to reduce toner spillage and scattering and the filling target is not limited to any interface.

3) In the present embodiment, the rigid portion has an edge 112e on the opposite side of the center 113c of the connection portion 112d between the body portion 112 and the insertion portion 113 and the connection portion 112d side of the insertion portion 113 of the body portion 112. Since the rod-like or plate-like member is separated on both sides of the center line 112c connecting to the center 112b, and the rod-like or plate-like member is provided on both side surfaces of the trunk portion 112, the trunk portion 112 is reliably Both sides are deformed to the outside, and the internal space 112v in the body portion 112 can be expanded.
The rod-like or plate-like members correspond to the operation members 114a to 114h and 114a ′ to 114d ′.

  In this embodiment, the toner supply container in the claims is the refill bag 111, the side surface is denoted by reference numeral 112s, the rigid portion is denoted by operation members 114a to 114j and 114a 'to 114d', and the flexible portion is denoted by reference numeral 112f. The body part is deformed so that the space opens to the reference numeral 112v, the toner filling target part to the process cartridge 103, the insertion part to the reference numeral 113, and the direction transverse to the toner transfer direction opens in the direction of the arrow D1. Is the deformation in the direction of arrow D2, the opening of the insertion part is at the spout 113a, the connection part is at 112d, the center of the connection part is at 113c, the body edge is at 112e, the edge of the edge The center is denoted by reference numeral 112b, the center line is denoted by reference numeral 112c, the bar-shaped members are operated members 114a to 114d, 114i, 114j, 114a 'to 114d', and the plate-shaped members are The work member 114E～114h, groove V-shaped grooves 116a, 116 b, the sealing member is a tape 117, the corresponding.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and all the technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are all included. The subject of the present invention. The above-described embodiments show preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, and improvements from the contents disclosed in the present specification. These are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

103 Toner filling target part 111 Refill bag 112b Center of edge 112c Center line 112d Connection part 112e Edge 112f Body part (flexible part) between operation members
112s side surface 112v internal space 113 insertion part 113a spout 113c center of connection part 114a to 114j, 114a 'to 114d' operation member (rigid part)
116a, 116b V-shaped groove 117 tape

JP 2002-96882 A JP 7-333964 A

Claims (9)

In a toner supply container that is flat when toner is not stored and bulges according to the amount of toner stored when toner is stored,
A body portion in which a flexible portion and a rigid portion are provided on a side surface, and toner is stored in an internal space;
An insertion portion that is integrally continuous with the body portion, and that is inserted into a toner filling target portion and transfers toner stored in the internal space to the toner filling target portion;
With
The rigid part is disposed on each side surface of the body part, and connects the center of the connection part between the body part and the insertion part and the center of the edge of the body part opposite to the connection part. It consists of rod-like or plate-like members spaced across the wire, and when the external force is applied in a direction crossing the toner transfer direction from both sides of the body part, the flexible part spreads outward by the rigid part The toner replenishing container is characterized in that the body portion is deformed to expand the internal space and the opening of the insertion portion. In a toner supply container that is flat when toner is not stored and bulges according to the amount of toner stored when toner is stored,
A body portion in which a flexible portion and a rigid portion are provided on a side surface, and toner is stored in an internal space;
An insertion portion that is integrally continuous with the body portion, and that is inserted into a toner filling target portion and transfers toner stored in the internal space to the toner filling target portion;
With
The rigid part is a side surface of the body part and connects the center of the connection part between the body part and the insertion part and the center of the edge of the body part opposite to the connection part. Ri Do rod-shaped or plate-shaped member provided with a line to the rotational symmetrical positions around the rotational symmetry,
The dimension of the rod-shaped or plate-shaped member in the direction perpendicular to the center line is smaller than the width dimension of the body part,
When an external force is applied in a direction transverse to the toner transfer direction from both sides of the body part, the body part is deformed so that the flexible part spreads outward by the rigid part, and the internal space and the difference A toner replenishing container characterized in that the opening of the insertion portion is expanded . The toner supply container according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The toner replenishing container, wherein the rigid portion is provided only on one side of the center line . The toner supply container according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The toner replenishing container, wherein the rigid portion is provided across the center line. The toner supply container according to claim 4 .
The toner replenishing container, wherein the flexible portion is a groove formed in the rigid portion . The toner supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A toner supply container, wherein the insertion portion is folded to the body portion side and fixed to the body portion in a state where the opening is sealed by a sealing member . The toner supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The toner supply container, wherein the body portion and the insertion portion are integrally formed from the same material . The toner supply container according to claim 7 .
The toner replenishing container, wherein the insertion portion is formed to be transparent . The supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A toner supply container, wherein the plate-like member is formed in a rectangular shape or a triangular shape .