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EP0431110B1 - Recipient de matiere particulaire - Google Patents

Recipient de matiere particulaire Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0431110B1
EP0431110B1 EP90908909A EP90908909A EP0431110B1 EP 0431110 B1 EP0431110 B1 EP 0431110B1 EP 90908909 A EP90908909 A EP 90908909A EP 90908909 A EP90908909 A EP 90908909A EP 0431110 B1 EP0431110 B1 EP 0431110B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
cover
toner
opening
cavity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90908909A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0431110A1 (fr
Inventor
Frank C/O Eastman Kodak Company Hacknauer
Kenneth Dean C/O Eastman Kodak Company Corby
Ronald Roy C/O Eastman Kodak Company Vacek
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eastman Kodak Co
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Co
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 US07/360,808 external-priority patent/US4997016A/en
Priority claimed from US07/360,811 external-priority patent/US4972887A/en
Application filed by Eastman Kodak Co filed Critical Eastman Kodak Co
Publication of EP0431110A1 publication Critical patent/EP0431110A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0431110B1 publication Critical patent/EP0431110B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
    • G03G15/0881—Sealing of developer cartridges
    • G03G15/0886—Sealing of developer cartridges by mechanical means, e.g. shutter, plug
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0849—Detection or control means for the developer concentration
    • G03G15/0855—Detection or control means for the developer concentration the concentration being measured by optical means
    • 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
    • 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
    • G03G2215/0695—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material using identification means or means for storing process or use parameters

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a container for particulate material, and more particularly, to a container for supplying toner and other material to a receiving device therefor in a copier, printer, or other such apparatus.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,062,385 issued December 13, 1977 to Katusha et al, shows a toner container with a broad flange at the bottom around an opening through which toner can be emptied.
  • a cover for the container is slidably retained against the flange so that it can be moved between positions covering the opening and uncovering the opening.
  • the container is usable with appropriate receiving apparatus on a copier. It is placed on a slide structure next to a toner sump cavity on the receiving apparatus. As the container is slid over the sump cavity the cover is retained on the slide by suitable detent means between the cover and the slide and sump. When the container is empty and to be removed it is slid back onto the cover so that it may be removed and disposed of without dirtying the operator or the apparatus.
  • This structure has been used extensively commercially and has successfully accomplished its mission of supplying toner in a clean environment.
  • the slide and cover protrude substantially from the sump.
  • the commercial use of this structure positions the slide parallel to the door, so that the container's movement is substantially parallel to that front door of the apparatus. This requires substantial room on one side of the receiving apparatus in the copier, which in fact has been available.
  • the container for supplying toner according to the present invention comprises a hinge in the cover permitting a portion of the cover to be bent around the hinge when the cover is not covering the opening.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a toner container and a receiving apparatus constructed according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a top section of a portion of a toner container with its cover in a removed position with a few portions of a toner sump shown.
  • Fig. 3 is a front view of the bottom portion of the toner container and cover shown in Fig. 2 with a few portions of the toner sump shown.
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the toner container and cover shown in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 5 is a top view of a toner sump, portions of which are shown in in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.
  • Figs. 6 and 7 are top and front simplified views of a toner container--receiving apparatus interface illustrating the use of toner identification tabs for a first toner.
  • Figs. 8 and 9 are top and front schematic views similar to Figs. 6 and 7 illustrating the use of toner identification tabs for a second toner.
  • a toner sump 1 is positioned to receive a toner container 2.
  • the toner container 2 has a containing portion 3 for holding a supply of toner.
  • the toner may include carrier particles for use in a two component process or include only toner for either a one or two component process.
  • a bottom, interface portion 4 of the container portion 3 surrounds an opening 9 in the containing portion 3.
  • Interface portion 4 includes an insert flange 5, a handle 6, and a protrusion from a side wall of the interface portion, toner identification tab 7 (described in more detail with respect to Figs. 6-9).
  • the leading end of insert flange 5 includes lateral extensions 10 which extend away from opening 9 (their function to be explained below). Ordinarily, the interface portions 4 of various size containing portions 3 would be identical.
  • Toner sump 1 includes a receiving surface 15 (see also Fig. 5) for receiving and guiding the bottom surface of insert flange 5 as the toner container 2 is moved to a position on the sump 1.
  • the sump 1 includes a toner or sump cavity 20 for receiving toner from the container where it is mixed with carrier particles and fed to a development mechanism all by means well-known in the art and not shown herein.
  • Side guides 21 having overhangs 22 help guide flange 5 as it is slid by the operator into position with opening 9 over cavity 20.
  • Receiving surface 15 has an ingress surface portion 16 and a surface portion 44 generally alongside cavity 20. Once in position, overhangs 22 hold flange 5 to surface portion 44.
  • cover 25 is held on flange 5 by angled side rails 26.
  • Protrusions 29 engage the front of flange 5 when the cover is on the container 2.
  • cover 25 includes a first portion 27 which has indents 28 or other suitable detent means and a second portion 11.
  • Indents 28 allow the first portion 27 of the cover to be positioned behind protrusions 30 (Figs. 1, 2 and 5) on ingress surface 16.
  • the indents 28 cooperate with the protrusions 30 to prevent cover 25 from moving with flange 5 as the container 2 is moved by the operator rearward to a position with opening 9 over the sump cavity 20 as guided in part by receiving surface 15, side guides 21 and the inner surfaces of protrusions 30.
  • the containing portion 3 of container 2 is slid away from cover 25 when the containing portion is moved over cavity 20.
  • the cover 25 extends substantially to the left from the interface portion 4 of the container 2.
  • the toner supply system shown herein is designed for apparatus with a number of development stations placed side-by-side. With such an arrangement it is not structurally possible to move the toner container according to the prior art, because it will be restricted by the toner container next to it.
  • the toner container shown in Fig. 1 is designed to be inserted directly from the front of the machine toward the back of the machine leaving the cover 25 in a position in which it can interfere with closing the front door of the apparatus.
  • the cover 25 itself includes a hinge 35 across the direction of movement of the containing portion 3 about which the second portion 11 may be rotated to a position shown in phantom in Fig. 4, where it is out of the way and not restricting of the rest of the apparatus, i.e., it allows the front door of the apparatus to be closed.
  • the hinge can be a conventional thinning of the plastic cover.
  • the cover 25 is lowered to its extended position shown best in Figs. 2 and 4, and the toner container is slid back out onto the cover (a position beside or to the side of the sump cavity) for removal and disposal with a minimum loss of unused toner and a minimum of dirtying the person and clothing of the operator.
  • Fig. 5 shows a gate 50 which can be swung open to permit access to the sump for the container 2.
  • the gate 50 is closed and lodged behind a detent 51 where it holds the cover in its raised position.
  • the gate 50 also pushes the cover into container 2 assuring that container 2 is completely inserted over sump cavity 20.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

Un récipient (2) d'alimentation en toner d'un appareil de réception (1) d'un copieur ou d'une imprimante, comprend un contenant (3) doté d'un orifice (9) situé au niveau de sa partie inférieure, un couvercle (25) destiné à l'orifice (9) coulisse entre des positions couvrant et découvrant ledit orifice. Ledit couvercle comprend une charnière (35) permettant de mettre en rotation une grande partie (11) dudit couvercle, jusqu'à une position non saillante, lorsque ledit couvercle ne couvre pas ledit orifice. Ledit appareil de réception (1) destiné audit récipient de toner, comporte une cavité de toner (20), sur laquelle glisse le contenant du récipient. Afin d'éviter que du toner ne s'échappe sur les mécanismes de la machine, un moyen de guidage (40) force au moins la partie avant du contenant à passer par un chemin plus élevé par rapport à ladite cavité, à mesure qu'il se déplace sur cette dernière, que le chemin qu'il emprunte lorsqu'il revient à une position située à côté de ladite cavité. Ledit récipient de toner comprend des prolongements (10) situés au niveau des bords avant des rebords (5), sur les côtés opposés de l'orifice du récipient, destinés à coopérer avec ledit moyen de guidage de l'appareil. Deux toners différents sont acheminés dans le même type de récipient. Une des deux saillies (7, 17) provenant des côtés opposés dudit récipient, est retirée selon la quantité de toner contenu dans ce dernier. Ledit appareil de réception (1) destiné audit récipient, comporte un moyen d'arrêt (8, 18) positionné pour s'adapter à chaque saillie. On retire la structure d'arrêt appropriée, afin d'adapter l'appareil de réception au récipient correct.

Claims (3)

  1. Récipient destiné à transmettre un développateur à un appareil récepteur, le récipient ayant :
       une partie (3) de réceptacle ayant une ouverture (9) et une partie (4) d'interface entourant l'ouverture, et
       un couvercle (25) qui coopère avec la partie d'interface et qui recouvre l'ouverture, le couvercle pouvant coulisser par rapport à la partie d'interface d'une position dans laquelle l'ouverture est couverte à une position dans laquelle est découverte,
       caractérisé par une articulation (35) formée dans le couvercle (25) et permettant le pliage d'une partie du couvercle autour de l'articulation lorsque le couvercle ne recouvre pas l'ouverture (9).
  2. Récipient selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la partie d'interface (4) comporte un flasque (5) adjacent à l'ouverture et formant la surface inférieure de la partie de réceptacle et qui peut être placé sur une surface (15) qui entoure une cavité (20) de bac, cette cavité étant destinée à recevoir du développateur d'un récipient placé au-dessus de la cavité, le couvercle (25) étant destiné à coopérer avec le flasque (5) et pouvant coulisser par rapport au flasque d'une position dans laquelle l'ouverture (9) est recouverte lorsque le récipient n'est pas au-dessus de la cavité (20) de bac à une position dans laquelle l'ouverture (9) est découverte lorsque le récipient se trouve sur la cavité du bac, l'articulation (35) permettant le pliage de la plus grande partie du couvercle (25) autour de l'articulation vers une position verticale de façon générale lorsque le couvercle est en position dans laquelle il ne couvre pas l'ouverture et le récipient est placé au-dessus de la cavité (20).
  3. Récipient selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le couvercle (25) comporte un dispositif (26) de coopération par coulissement avec le flasque (5) afin que le couvercle soit retenu contre la surface inférieure du flasque mais que le couvercle (25) puisse coulisser par rapport au flasque (5) entre des positions dans laquelle l'ouverture (9) est couverte et découverte, le couvercle (25) comprenant en outre un dispositif d'encliquetage (28) à au moins un bord latéral du couvercle, destiné à coopérer avec un dispositif complémentaire d'encliquetage (30) placé dans l'appareil récepteur afin que le couvercle (25) ne puisse pas se déplacer par rapport à l'appareil, alors que la partie de réceptacle (3) est glissée vers une position qui se trouve au-dessus de la cavité (20) de bac.
EP90908909A 1989-06-02 1990-05-30 Recipient de matiere particulaire Expired - Lifetime EP0431110B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US36081089A 1989-06-02 1989-06-02
US360808 1989-06-02
US07/360,808 US4997016A (en) 1989-06-02 1989-06-02 Receiving apparatus for a toner container and toner container therefor
US360811 1989-06-02
US07/360,811 US4972887A (en) 1989-06-02 1989-06-02 Container for particulate material
US360810 1999-07-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0431110A1 EP0431110A1 (fr) 1991-06-12
EP0431110B1 true EP0431110B1 (fr) 1993-12-22

Family

ID=27408480

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90908909A Expired - Lifetime EP0431110B1 (fr) 1989-06-02 1990-05-30 Recipient de matiere particulaire

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0431110B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2927947B2 (fr)
DE (1) DE69005425T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1990015366A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE69309880T2 (de) * 1992-12-03 1997-10-16 Eastman Kodak Co Tonerbehälter und dafür vorgesehene Aufnahmevorrichtung
DE19913168A1 (de) * 1998-03-31 1999-10-07 Eastman Kodak Co Verschiebbarer Deckel für eine Markierungspartikel aufweisende Aufnahmevorrichtung
GB2417950A (en) * 2004-09-14 2006-03-15 Nigel Mark Eaton Dispensing container

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4062385A (en) * 1975-03-14 1977-12-13 Eastman Kodak Company Toner handling apparatus
EP0102002B1 (fr) * 1982-08-23 1987-11-04 Konica Corporation Dispositif distributeur de toner
US4611899A (en) * 1983-01-08 1986-09-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Developing apparatus
DE3434563A1 (de) * 1983-09-22 1985-04-11 Ricoh Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo Entwicklungseinrichtung

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 20, no. 11B, April 1978, (New York, US), A.H. Caudill et al: "Toner replenisher with rotating top cover", pages 4708-4709 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH04500283A (ja) 1992-01-16
WO1990015366A1 (fr) 1990-12-13
JP2927947B2 (ja) 1999-07-28
EP0431110A1 (fr) 1991-06-12
DE69005425T2 (de) 1994-07-07
DE69005425D1 (de) 1994-02-03

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