DEVELOPER ACCOMMODATION CONTAINER, DEVELOPER ACCOMMODATION UNIT, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, ELECTROPHOTOGRAP

专利摘要:
developer housing container, developer housing unit, process cartridge, electrophotographic imaging apparatus. a fastening part 18c is provided to suppress the movement of a developer pouch 16 when the developer pouch 16 is ruptured by the movement of a sealing member 19. Hereby, the sealing disruption becomes easy.
公开号:BR112013030916B1
申请号:R112013030916-4
申请日:2012-07-13
公开日:2021-08-10
发明作者:Hiroomi Matsuzaki；Junichi Matsumura；Kazuki Matsumoto；Tatsuo Fujisaki；Kojiro Yasui
申请人:Canon Kabushiki Kaisha；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

field of technique
[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and a developer accommodating container, a developer accommodating unit, a developing device and a cartridge, which are to be used in the imaging apparatus. Image.
[0002] Here, the imaging apparatus forms an image on a recording material (medium) using, for example, an electrophotographic imaging process and may include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer or a laser beam printer), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, and the like.
[0003] Additionally, the cartridge refers to a cartridge that includes at least one developing means and the developing device that are integrally constituted to be made detachably mountable in an imaging apparatus main assembly and a cartridge that includes the developing device and at least one photosensitive element unit that includes a photosensitive element, which are integrally constituted to be made detachably mountable in the imaging apparatus main assembly.
[0004] Additionally, the developer housing container and the developer housing unit are accommodated in the imaging apparatus or in the cartridge. The developer accommodating container and the developer accommodating unit are provided with at least one flexible container to accommodate the developer. prior technique
[0005] In a conventional electrophotographic imaging apparatus using the electrophotographic imaging process, a type of process cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive element and process medium actuatable in the photosensitive element are integrally mounted in a cartridge and this cartridge is detachably mountable in a main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus is employed.
[0006] In such a process cartridge, as shown in Figure 48, an opening provided for a developer accommodation frame 31 to accommodate the developer (toner, vehicle, etc.) is sealed with a sealing element. Additionally, a type in which a connecting portion 33 of a toner seal 32, which consists of the sealing element, is pulled and removed during use, thus removing the seal from the opening to enable the supply of developer has been widely used (Japanese patent application open to public inspection (JP-A) Hei 4-66980).
[0007] Additionally, faced with a problem where the developer is spread on the process cartridge in a developer filling step during the manufacturing of the process cartridge, a constitution in which a deformable inner container is used has been devised (JP- A Hei 4-66980). Description of the invention
[0008] However, as per the document under no. JP-A Hei 4-66980, it is difficult to provide an elastic element within the inner container in manufacturing, and there is the case where this requires a cost.
[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is, in a constitution different from the conventional constitution, to propose a developer accommodation unit that uses a flexible container and that is excellent in an opening property.
[0010] In order to accomplish the above objective, one of the constitutions of the inventors according to the present invention is as set out below:
[0011] A developer accommodation unit for accommodating a developer for imaging, wherein the developer accommodation unit comprises: a developer accommodation container including a flexible container provided with an opening to allow discharge of the accommodated developer and including a sealing member to seal the opening and to expose the opening to be moved; a seal-disrupting element, mounted on the sealing element, for moving the sealing element; and a frame which accommodates the developer housing container and the seal disruption member and which includes a fastening portion for securing the flexible container.
[0012] According to the present invention, in the developer accommodation unit using the flexible container to accommodate the developer, a sealing break feature of the sealing member to seal the flexible container opening can be improved. Brief description of the drawings
[0013] Figure 1 is a main sectional view of a process cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 2 is a main sectional view of an imaging apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view from a cross-section of a developer housing container that includes a seal-break element in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a developer accommodation unit prior to seal disruption in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit just before the seal disruption in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit during seal disruption in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 7 includes sectional views to illustrate a process of breaking the seal of a discharge part in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 8 includes sectional views to illustrate the process of breaking the seal of the discharge part in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 9 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit after the seal disruption in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 10 is an illustration of the developer accommodation container prior to the seal disruption in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 11 is an illustration of the developer accommodation container during seal disruption in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 12 is a sectional view to illustrate the discharge part in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 13 includes illustrations of a developer housing container that is difficult to break the seal, which is not the embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 14 includes sectional views of the hard-to-break seal developer housing container, which is not the embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 15 is a sectional view of a developer housing unit difficult to break the seal, which is not the embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] Figure 16 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 17 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 18 is a sectional view of a developer housing container in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 19 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 20 is an illustration of the developer accommodation container in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 21 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation container in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 22 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation container in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 23 includes illustrations of a developer housing container, which is not the embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 24 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation container in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 25 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 26 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 27 includes illustrations of an attachment portion of the developer accommodation container in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 28 includes illustrations of developer accommodation container openings in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 29 includes sectional views of the developer housing container in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 30 includes illustrations of developer accommodation containers in embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] Figure 31 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation container that includes a seal-break element.
[0044] Figure 32 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Figure 33 includes illustrations of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Figure 34 is an illustration of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Figure 35 is a sectional view of a developer accommodation unit in one embodiment of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0048] Figure 36 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0049] Figure 37 is a sectional view of a developer accommodation unit in an embodiment of embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0050] Figure 38 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0051] Figure 39 includes schematic illustrations of an opening in an embodiment of embodiment 5 of the present invention.
[0052] Figure 40 includes schematic illustrations of the opening in the embodiment of embodiment 5 of the present invention.
[0053] Figure 41 is a sectional view of the developer accommodation unit in an embodiment of embodiment 6 of the present invention.
[0054] Figure 42 is a schematic illustration of openings in the embodiment of embodiment 6 of the present invention.
[0055] Figure 43 is a schematic illustration of the openings in the embodiment of embodiment 6 of the present invention.
[0056] Figure 44 is a schematic illustration of the openings in the embodiment of embodiment 6 of the present invention.
[0057] Figure 45 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Figure 46 includes schematic illustrations of the drive transmission for a seal disruption element in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] Figure 47 includes sectional views of the developer accommodation unit in the embodiment of embodiment 6 of the present invention.
[0060] Figure 48 is a view to illustrate a conventional example. Best way to carry out the invention
[0061] In the following description, a developer accommodating container refers to at least one flexibility container and a sealing member for sealing an opening, provided for the flexible container, to allow discharge of a developer. The developer accommodating container, before the developer is accommodated therein, is referred to as a developer accommodating container 37 for accommodating the developer. The developer accommodating container which accommodates the developer and which is provided with a seal-disrupting element to break the seal of the sealing member is referred to as a developer-accommodating container 30 which includes the seal-disrupting element. The developer accommodating container that accommodates the developer and which is not provided with the sealing member is referred to as a developer accommodating container 26 that accommodates the developer.
Incidentally, for simplicity, these developer accommodating containers will be described as the developer accommodating container 37, the developer accommodating container 30 and the developer accommodating container 26 through the use of different reference numerals.
[0063] A developer accommodation unit includes at least the developer accommodation container and a frame for accommodating the developer accommodation container. <Mode 1>
[0064] Figure 1 illustrates a main sectional view of a process cartridge including the developer housing unit to which the present invention is applicable, and Figure 2 illustrates a main sectional view of an imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applicable. <Summary of Process Cartridge Structure>
[0065] The process cartridge includes an image support element and process medium actuatable on the image support element. Here, as the process medium, there is, for example, a charging means for electrically charging a surface of the image support element, a developing device for forming an image on the image support element, and a means to remove a developer (containing toner, vehicle, etc.) that remains on the surface of the image support element.
[0066] The process cartridge A in this embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 1, includes a photosensitive drum (element) 11 as the image support element and includes, on a periphery of the photosensitive drum 11, a charge roller 12 as the loading means and a cleaning unit 24 which includes a cleaning blade 14, which has elasticity like the cleaning means. Additionally, the process cartridge A includes a developing device 38 which includes a first frame 17 and a second frame 18. The process cartridge A fully includes the cleaning unit 24 and the developing device 38, and is constituted to which is detachably mountable to an imaging apparatus main assembly B, as shown in Figure 2. The developing device 38 includes a developing cylinder 13 as the developing medium, a developing blade 15, a developing cylinder. developer supply 23, and a developer housing container 26, for accommodating the developer, in which the developer is accommodated. The developing cylinder 13 and the developing blade are supported by the first frame 17. <Summary of the structure of the imaging apparatus>
[0067] Process cartridge A is mounted in the main assembly of imaging apparatus B, as shown in Figure 2, and is used for imaging. In imaging, a blade S is fed by a feed roller 7 from a blade housing 6 mounted in a lower part of the apparatus, and in sync with this blade feed, the photosensitive drum 11 is selectively exposed to light by an exposure device 8 to form a latent image. The developer is supplied to the developing roller 13 (developer transport element) by the sponge-like developer supply roller 23 and is loaded in a thin layer onto the surface of the developing roller 13. By applying a polarization of developing to the developing roller 13, the developer is supplied depending on the latent image, and thus the latent image is developed into a developer image. This image (developer) is transferred onto the fed blade S by applying bias voltage to a transfer roller 9. The blade S is transported to a fixation device 10 to be subjected to image fixation, and the blade S are discharged by a blade discharge cylinder 1 to a blade discharge part 3 in an upper part of the apparatus. <Summary of developer accommodation unit structure>
[0068] In the following, a structure of a developer accommodation unit 25 will be described with reference to Figure 3, Figure 4, (a) of Figure 7 and Figure 20. Here, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container. housing developer 30 from cross-section, Figure 4 is a sectional view of the developing device 38, Figure 7 is a detailed sectional view in the vicinity of the discharge part 35 to allow the discharge of the developer from a developer pouch 16 as a flexible container, and Figure 20 is a sectional view of the developer housing container 26 from the cross section. Incidentally, the sectional views consist of a plane passing through a seal-breaking element 20, openings 35a and fastening parts 16d and 16e. Additionally, the sectional views consist of a plane perpendicular to a geometric rotational axis of the seal-break element 20. (Developer accommodation unit)
[0069] The developer accommodation unit 25 is as shown in Figure 4, constituted by the developer accommodation container 30, the developer cylinder 13, the developer blade 15 and the first frame 17 and the second frame 18, which support these elements. A combination of the first frame and the second frame consists of a frame that accommodates the developer housing container 30.
[0070] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the developer accommodation unit 25 is the same as the developer device 38. This is due to the fact that the developer accommodation unit 25 includes the developer cylinder 13 and the developer blade 15. However, the developing roller 13 and the developing blade 15 can also be supported by a frame separately from the developer accommodating unit 25 and thus can be separated from the developer accommodating unit 25. In this case, the device The developer 38 comprises the developer housing unit 25, the developer roller 13 and the developer blade 15 (not shown). (Developer accommodation container including seal break element)
[0071] The developer accommodation container 30 which includes the seal disruption element is constituted by a seal disruption element 20 and the developer accommodation container 26 as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.
[0072] The sealing disruption element 20 includes an engagement part 20b to be engaged with a sealing member 19, and by means of the engagement of a portion to be engaged 19b of the developer accommodation container 26 with the engagement portion 20b, the developer housing container 30 including the seal-disrupting member is constituted. (Developer accommodation container in which the developer is accommodated)
[0073] As shown in (c) of Figure 30, the developer housing container 26 comprises the developer, a developer pouch 16 and the sealing element 19. Here, the developer is powdered.
[0074] The developer pouch 16 of the developer housing container 26 is sealed with the sealing member 19 in the plurality of openings 35a to allow discharge of the developer and includes a connecting portion 39a that seals a filling opening (port of injection) to allow filling (input) of the developer. In this way, the respective openings 35a and the filling opening 39 of the developer accommodating container 26, in which the developer is accommodated, are sealed and therefore the accommodated developer does not leak out, so that the container of developer accommodation 26 can be treated as a single unit. Additionally, the sealing element 19 includes holes as the to-be-engaged parts 19b to be engaged with the sealing-breaking element 20, thus being engageable with the sealing-breaking element 20. (Developer accommodation container to accommodate the developer)
[0075] As shown in (a) of Figure 30, the developer housing container 37 to accommodate the developer is constituted by the developer pouch 16 and the sealing member 19 to seal the plurality of openings 35a to allow discharge of the developer and to expose openings 35a when being moved. Here, the developer pouch 16 of the developer housing container 37 for accommodating the developer includes the filling opening 39 to allow the filling of the developer and the openings 35a to allow the discharge of the developer.
[0076] Here, in the developer accommodation container 37 to accommodate the developer, the developer is not filled so far, and the developer accommodation container 37 is in a state in which the filling opening 39 to allow the filling of the developer it's open. (Developer filling and accommodation container)
Here, a relationship between the developer accommodating container 37 for accommodating the developer and the developer accommodating container 26 in which the developer is accommodated will be described.
[0078] First, as shown in (a) of Figure 30, the developer housing container 37 to accommodate the developer is not filled with the developer and is provided with the filling opening 39 to allow the filling of the developer.
[0079] Then, as shown in (b) of Figure 30, the developer is filled from the filling opening 39, to allow filling of the developer, from the developer housing container 37 to accommodate the developer. Additionally, by means of the flexibility of the developer pouch 16, the filling opening 39 to allow filling of the developer is deformable correspondingly to a filling device and thus filling of the developer is facilitated without causing spreading of the developer. At the time of filling, a known drill-type filling device is used, but another method with a similar function can also be used.
[0080] Then, as shown in (c) of Figure 30, the filling opening 39 to allow filling of the developer is connected and sealed. Attaching the connecting portion 39a of the opening to allow filling of the developer is done by means of ultrasonic attachment in this embodiment, but can also be done by other attachment methods using heat, laser and the like.
Then, when the connection of the connecting part 39a of the opening to allow filling is completed, the developer is filled, so that the developer accommodating container 26 in which the developer is accommodated is provided.
[0082] Incidentally, a position and a size of the filling opening 39 to allow filling may be suitably corresponding to the shapes, and the like, of the filling device of the developer and the process cartridge A. (Effect of incorporating the developer bag into the developer device)
[0083] By forming the developer housing container with accommodated developer 26 into a pouch shape, the developer can be treated as a unit. For this reason, a developer filling step can be separated from a main assembly step (manufacturing line) of the process cartridge A. By this, the developer is prevented from being spread in the main assembly step (manufacturing line ) of process cartridge A so that maintenance, such as cleaning the manufacturing line, can be reduced. By preventing developer scattering during the assembly step, it is possible to omit a process cartridge cleaning step to be performed after filling the developer.
[0084] Additionally, also in the step of filling the developer pouch 16, the developer pouch 16 has flexibility, and the filling opening 39 to allow filling is also soft and therefore can be easily sealed with less spreading.
[0085] Additionally, the developer housing container 26 in which the developer is accommodated has flexibility and therefore can be mounted while following a frame shape.
[0086] Additionally, in the filling step, the developer accommodation container 37 has flexibility and therefore deforms its cross section to increase its volume in which the developer can be filled, so that an amount of filling can be increased during filling.
[0087] Additionally, the developer accommodation container 37 before developer filling has flexibility and thus can be made small (thin), so that a storage space during storage before filling can be made small in compared to the frame, which is a resinous structure. <Developer bag structure>
[0088] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the developer pouch 16 accommodates the developer therein and has a pouch-like shape that is deformable, and is provided with the plurality of openings 35a in the discharge part 35 to allow for developer flush accommodated.
[0089] Additionally, the developer pouch 16 includes attachment parts (parts to be attached) 16d and 16e of developer pouch attached to the first frame 17 and the second frame 18. (Material and air permeability of the developer bag)
[0090] Figure 29 includes sectional views to illustrate the developer housing container 26. As shown in (a) of Figure 29, the developer pouch 16 is constituted by connecting a blade 16u that includes the part of discharge 35 and not air permeable and a blade 16s which has air permeability and consisting of an air permeable part to each other.
[0091] Here, a degree of air permeability of the air permeable part 16s can be suitably selected so that the developer is prevented from leaking out of the developer pouch 16 based on a balance with a size of the developer (size of dust particle) to be accommodated.
[0092] As a material for the air permeable part 16s, a non-woven material, or the like, formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or the like, in a thickness of 0, 03 to 0.15 mm is preferred. Additionally, even when the material for the air-permeable part 16s does not consist of the non-woven material, a material that has tiny holes that are smaller than the powder, such as developer, can also be used.
[0093] Additionally, regarding the arrangement of the air permeable part, in this mode, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 29, the air permeable part 16s is arranged over the entire region of the developer bag 16 in relation to a longitudinal direction on the side of the second frame 18. Incidentally, as shown in (b) of Figure 29, the air permeable part 16s may also constitute the entire developer bag 16.
[0094] Incidentally, as the material for the developer pouch 16 is different from the air-permeable part 16s, a material that has flexibility in order to improve the effectiveness during the discharge of the developer described later can be preferably used. Additionally, the material for the air permeable part 16s can also have flexibility. (Developer bag effect that has air permeability)
[0095] Thus, the reason why air permeability is conferred for the developer bag 16 is the fact that the developer bag 16 can experience states during manufacturing, during transportation until a user uses cartridge A and during storage. First, the reason for the condition during manufacture is that the developer bag 16 is made deformable and reducible in order to facilitate the assembly of the developer bag 16 with the frames 17 and 18. In the case where the developer bag 16 is not provided with the air permeability part, its size cannot be changed from that in a state in which the developer bag 16 is filled with the developer (state in which the bag is closed) and therefore the bag of developer 16 is not readily deformed. For this reason, it takes time to set up and the steps are complicated. Therefore, when air permeability is imparted to at least a portion of developer pouch 16, the size of developer pouch 16 can be changed from that in the state in which developer pouch 16 is filled with developer and then , is closed, thus facilitating assembly.
[0096] Next, the reason for the states during transport and during storage is the fact that the developer bag 16 may encounter a change in different air pressure during transport and during storage of the process cartridge A. The difference in air pressure between the inner side and outer side of the developer bag 16 is generated in the case where the developer bag 16 is in a lower air pressure environment during transportation, or the like, than during manufacturing or in the case where the developer bag 16 is stored at a higher temperature than during manufacture. For this reason, through the expansion of the developer pouch 16, there is a fear that the parts in contact with the developer pouch 16 will be deformed or broken. There is a need, for this purpose, to control the air pressure and temperature during transport and during storage, so that ease and cost is required. However, the problems caused due to the difference in air pressure between the inner side and the outer side of the developer bag 16 can be solved by partially imparting the air permeability to the developer bag 16.
[0097] Additionally, in the case where the non-woven material is provided with the discharge part 35 and a connecting part 22 at a periphery of the discharge part 35, there is a fear that the fibers of the non-woven material will fall out with the detachment of the element 19 during breakage of the seal and then enter the developer to adversely affect the image. For this reason, by providing the discharge part 35 for the lamina 16u different from the lamina 16s which has the air permeability, the above-described drop of fibers from the non-woven material is avoided.
[0098] Additionally, a fill density can be increased by filling the developer while deaeration of the air permeable part 16s. (Structure of the discharge part of the developer bag)
[0099] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 10, the developer pouch 16 includes the developer discharge part 35 consisting of the plurality of openings 35a to allow the internal developer to discharge and the connecting part 35b defining the plurality of openings 35a. Additionally, the discharge part 35 is continuously surrounded at its periphery by the connecting part 22 to be releasably connected, so that the developer accommodated in the developer pouch 16 is sealed with the sealing element 19. (Structure of the developer bag connecting part)
[00100] The connecting part 22 has a rectangular shape surrounded by two lines extending in a long direction (direction F) and two lines extending in a short direction (direction E) and therefore the connecting part 22 enables the sealing of the discharge part 35.
[00101] Here, of the two lines of the connecting part 22 soldered with respect to the long direction (direction F), a connecting part which is first broken is referred to as a first connecting part 22a and a connecting part which is later broken is referred to as a second connecting part 22b. In this embodiment, in the case where the connecting part 22 is visualized along the surface of the sealing element 19, the connecting part on a side closest to a bent part 19d (or part to be engaged 19b) described later consists of the first connecting part 22a. Additionally, the connecting portion opposite the first connecting portion 22a through the opening consists of the second connecting portion 22b. Additionally, a connecting portion with respect to a width direction consists of a (short) connecting portion of width 22c.
[00102] In this mode, a seal break direction consists of the E direction. The seal break direction is defined as shown below. In the case where the sealing disruption is effected by moving the sealing element 19, the first connecting part 22a and the second connecting part 22b opposite each other through the opening 35a, the first connecting part 22a is first broken (detached). Thus, a direction directed from the first connecting part 22a to be first broken towards the second connecting part 22b consists of the seal breaking direction E.
[00103] Incidentally, when the sealing element 19 is broken (detached) from the developer bag 16 in the E direction, when viewed microscopically, the detachment also progresses in the F direction of the arrow, in some cases due to the deformation of the developer 16 by a sealing breaking force also on the first connecting part 22a and the second connecting part 22b. However, the seal break direction in this embodiment does not refer to such microscopic seal break direction. (Arrangement of developer bag openings)
[00104] In the following, the arrangement of openings 35a will be described with reference to Figure 10, Figure 11 and Figure 30. The direction of movement of the sealing element 19 (the direction of the sealing element 19 pulled by the sealing breaking element 20 ) for sealing the openings 35a and for exposing the openings 35a on being moved is D. Upon movement of the sealing element 19, the exposure of the openings 35a progresses in the direction of breaking seal E. Next, the direction of movement of the element seal 19 is D.
[00105] The plurality of openings 35a and the plurality of connecting parts 35b are arranged at different positions in the direction F perpendicular to the seal rupture direction E. Additionally, the sealing element 19 is configured to be wound up by rotating the element of seal rupture 20, but the direction F described above is the same direction as a geometric axis (axial line) of the rotation axis of the seal rupture element 20.
[00106] Here, the reason why the direction of the rotational axis of the developer cylinder 13 and the direction F disposed of the plurality of openings 35a are made equal is that the developer is easily supplied, during the discharge of the same, for the developing cylinder 13 over the entire longitudinal direction without being located.
[00107] Here, the plurality of openings 35a are arranged at different positions in the direction of F and therefore the discharge part 35 is long in the direction F and is short in the direction E. That is, with respect to the direction F, a distance from one end to the other end of the plurality of openings 35a is longer than that with respect to the E direction.
[00108] In this way, the discharge part 35 where the plurality of openings 35a is arranged in different positions in the F direction perpendicular to the seal rupture direction E is long in the F direction and is short in the E direction and therefore the distance The time required for the seal break can be made shorter than that required for the seal break in the long direction F and therefore a time required for the seal break can also be made short.
[00109] Additionally, a constitution is employed in which the sealing element 19 to cover the discharge part 35 is wound by the sealing disruption element 20. The direction of the rotational axis of the sealing disruption element 20 and the direction F substantially perpendicular to the sealing rupture direction E are made equal, so that the winding time and distance of the sealing element 19 can be reduced. (Shape and direction of developer bag openings)
[00110] Each of the plurality of openings 35a in mode 1 is circular in shape. When a discharge property is taken into account, an area of the openings 35a can preferably be large. Additionally, the connecting parts 35b defining the openings 35a may preferably be large (thick) in order to optimize the strength of the developer pouch 16. Therefore, the area of the openings 35a and the area of the parts are required. connections 35b achieve a balance in view of a material and a thickness of the discharge part 35 and a strength ratio with the resistance to peeling during the seal rupture described later and can be suitably selected. Additionally, the shape of the openings 35a may also be, in addition to the circular shape, a polygonal shape, such as a rectangular shape, an elongated circular shape, as shown in Figure 18 in embodiment 2 described later, and similar shapes.
[00111] Incidentally, it may only be required that the arrangement of openings 35a be arranged in different positions with respect to direction F perpendicular to the seal rupture direction E, and even when openings 35a overlap each other, as shown in (c ) of Figure 28, or do not overlap each other as shown in (d) of Figure 28, there is an effect of the connecting parts 35b described later.
[00112] Additionally, the direction of the openings 35a may preferably be such that the developer accommodated in the developer pouch 16 is easily discharged in an attitude during imaging. For this reason, in the attitude during imaging, the openings 35a are arranged so that they are open downwards with respect to the gravitational direction. Here, the downward opening of the openings 35a with respect to the gravitational direction refers to that the direction of the openings 35a has a downward component with respect to the gravitational direction. (Attachment between developer bag and frame)
[00113] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the developer pouch 16 is secured within the first frame 17 and the second frame 18 by the two attachment parts 16d and 16e. (First part of fastening)
[00114] Firstly, as a first attachment part, the first attachment portion 16d of the developer pouch 16 is provided where a force is received when the sealing element 19 is ruptured from the developer pouch 16, as described later. The first fixing part 16d is provided in a plurality of positions parallel to the direction F, in which the plurality of openings 35a are arranged. Incidentally, in addition to the arrangement in the plurality of positions, the first fastening part 16d can also be a single elongated fastening part parallel to direction F (not shown).
[00115] Additionally, the position of the first fastening part 16d is provided in the vicinity of the openings 35a.
[00116] Additionally, the first attachment part 16d of the developer pouch 16 is attached to a first attachment portion 18a of the frame.
[00117] The first fastening part 16d consists of a fastening part necessary for the seal break time of the developer bag 16 and its action and arrangement will be described later in the description of the seal break. (Second fixing part)
[00118] Additionally, as a second fixation part, the second fixation part 16e is provided to prevent movement of the developer bag 16 downwards or towards the developer cylinder 13 and the developer supply cylinder 23.
[00119] The second fastening part 16e is provided for the following two reasons. A first reason is that the second fixation part 16e is prevented from moving down in attitude during imaging. For this reason, the second fixation part 16e can preferably be arranged in an upper position in the attitude during imaging.
[00120] Additionally, a second reason is that the developer bag 16 is prevented from distributing the image in contact with the developer roller 13 and the developer supply roller 23 during imaging. For this reason, the second fixation part 16e of the developer pouch 16 can preferably be provided in a position remote from the developer cylinder 13 and the developer supply cylinder 23. In this embodiment, the second fixation part 16e of the developer bag 16 is disposed at an upper position away from developer cylinder 13, as shown in Figure 1.
[00121] Additionally, the second attachment portion 16e of the developer pouch 16 is attached to a second attachment portion 18b of the frame. (Method of attachment between developer bag and frame) (Fixing method of the first fixing part)
[00122] As a method of fastening the first fastening part 16d of the developer pouch 16, fastening by means of ultrasonic pressing (caulking) is used such that a protrusion of the second frame 18 is passed through the pouch hole of developer 16 to be deformed. As shown in (a) of Figure 27, prior to attachment, the first attachment portion 18a of the second frame 18 has a cylindrical protrusion shape and the first attachment portion 16d of the developer pouch 16 has a hole that is openable. An assembly step is shown below.
[00123] First, a projected-shaped part of the first attachment portion 18a of the second frame 18 is passed through the hole of the first attachment portion 16d of the developer pouch 16 ((b) of Figure 27).
[00124] Then, one end of the first fastening part 18a of the second frame 18 is cast by an ultrasonic pressing tool 34 ((c) of Figure 27).
[00125] Then, the end of the first fixation part 18a of the second frame 18 is deformed so that it is larger than the hole of the first fixation part 16d, so that the developer pocket 16 is fixed to the second frame 18 ( (d) of Figure 27). (Second fixing part fixing method)
[00126] As shown in Figure 24, a method of fastening the second fastening part 16e of the developer pouch 16 uses pressing by the two frames 17 and 18. Holes are made in the developer pouch 16 to constitute the first fastening part 16e of the developer pocket 16, and projections are provided for the second frame 18 to form the second frame attachment portion 18b.
[00127] So an assembly step is shown below. The projections of the fastening part 18b of the second frame 18 are passed through the first fastening part 16d of the developer pouch 16 and then fastening is done by pressing such that the second fastening part (holes) 16e of the developer bag is prevented from being disengaged (loose) from the projections by the first frame 17. (Other means of attachment)
[00128] As a means of fixation, in addition to the ultrasonic pressing described above, it is also possible to use fixation means other than those using ultrasonic wave. For example, heat pressing using heat, welding (heat) or ultrasonic welding to directly weld the developer bag 16 to the first frame 17 and second frame 18, bonding using a solvent or an adhesive, inserting the developer bag 16 between the frames, heat pressing, ultrasonic pressing, a screw, or hook with the use of holes and projections (such as bulges), and similar means can also be used. Additionally, the developer pouch 16 may also be secured via a separate element provided between the first or second frame 17 or 18 and the developer pouch, depending on the appropriate design based on relationships in space, arrangement, or the like, between the developer pouch 16 and first or second frame 17 or 18 (not shown). <Sealing element structure>
[00129] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sealing element 19 covers the discharge opening 35 of the developer bag 16 before using the process cartridge A to seal the developer in the developer bag 16. The sealing element 19 is moved so that the openings 35a are exposed. The structure of the sealing member 19 has a blade-like shape which includes a sealing portion 19a for covering the discharge portion 35 of the developer pouch 16, a portion to be engaged 19b for being secured with the sealing breach member 20 , described later, and a connecting part 19c of the sealing element which connects the sealing part 19a and the part to be engaged 19b. The sheet is formed of a laminated material that has a sealing layer that exhibits an easy-open property described later, and a base material consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, and a thickness can be suitably selected from a range of 0.03 to 0.15 mm. (Sealing part of sealing element)
[00130] The sealing part 19a refers to a region where the sealing element 19 seals the plurality of openings 35a and connecting parts 35b of the developer pouch 16. By means of the sealing part 19a, the developer is prevented from leaking from the inside of the developer pouch 16 to before using the process cartridge A. (Sealing element engagement part)
[00131] The sealing element 19 has a free end part on an end side thereof in relation to the seal rupture direction E, and at the free end part, the part to be engaged 19b to be engaged with the element Seal breakage to move the sealing element is provided. With the part to be engaged 19b, the sealing disruption element for moving the sealing element to expose the openings is engaged. The seal-breaking element can also be configured to automatically perform the seal-breaking upon receipt of drive (drive force) from the B imaging apparatus main assembly. Or, the seal-breaking element can also be configured to perform the seal break when held and moved by the user. In this embodiment, the seal-breaking element 20 consists of a rotation axis provided in the frame, and the sealing element 19 engaged with the seal-breaking element 20 is pulled, so that the developer housing container 26 which accommodates the developer is broken. (Sealing element connection part of the sealing element)
[00132] A part for connecting the connecting part 22 and the sealing element engaging part 19b consists of the sealing element connecting part 19c. The sealing member connecting part 19c is a part for transmitting a force in order to withdraw the connecting part 22 upon receiving the force from the sealing breaking member 20. (Bending of sealing element connection part)
[00133] Here, with reference to Figure 12, a plane formed between the first connecting part 22a and the second connecting part 22b in the movement of the seal breach is taken as N1. A plane which is perpendicular to plane N1 and which passes through the first connecting part 22a is taken as N2. Here, the sealing breaking element 20 is arranged on the side of the second connecting part 22b than the plane N2 which passes through the first connecting part 22a. In other words, the sealing element 19 includes, when viewed along the surface of the sealing element similar to the blade 19, a bent part 19d where the sealing element 19 is bent at the part (connecting part 19c) between the part. connection 22 and the part to be engaged 19b engaged with the sealing breaking element 20. The bent part 19d may or may not be provided with a fold (wrinkle). Here, a bending angle Q of the sealing member 19 may preferably be 90 degrees or less. The fold angle Q consists of a narrow angle Q between a surface of the connecting portion 22 of the developer pouch 16 and a surface along the direction D in which the sealing element 19 is pulled. (Fixing of sealing element)
[00134] Additionally, the fixation between the sealing element 19 and the sealing breaking element 20 is done, in this modality, by means of ultrasonic pressing similarly to the first fixation part 16d. In addition to ultrasonic pressing, fixation can also be done by means of welding (by heat), ultrasonic welding, connection, insertion between the frames, hook by a hole and a projection, or similar, similar to the fixation means for the first fixing part 16d and the second fixing part 16e. (Part that has easy-opening property of the sealing element)
[00135] Next, a method of providing a release force of the link part 22 with a desired value will be described. In this embodiment, in order to provide the release force with the desired value (in the present document, a minimum force within a range in which the toner sealing property can be maintained), two methods are mainly employed.
[00136] In a first method, a laminated material having a sealing layer to enable easy sealing disruption of the sealing element 19 is applied. Additionally, the first method consists of a method in which easy tearing of the seal is possible at the connecting part by applying, as the material for the developer pouch 16, a foil material (of, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene ) which is weldable with the sealing layer and which has flexibility. By altering a combination of formulation of the sealing layer and the material to be bonded, the release force can be adjusted accordingly to a desired condition. In this embodiment, a material is used which has a peel strength of about 3N/15mm measured by test methods for hermetically sealed flexible packaging of JIS-Z0238.
[00137] A second method is a method in which, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 7, the discharge part 35 of the developer bag 16 is placed in a state in which the sealing element 19 is bent with respect to a direction of seal break advance (arrow E in Figures). For example, in the state of Figure 4, the sealing disruption element 20 is rotated (an arrow C in the Figure) so that the sealing element 19 is pulled in a pulling direction (arrow D in the Figure) by the element. seal disruption 20. In this way, the developer pouch 16 and the sealing member 19 provide an inclined disengagement positional relationship, as shown in Figure 12, in which the narrow angle Q between the surface of the connecting portion 22 of the pouch developer 16 and the surface along the traction direction D of the sealing member 19 is 90 degrees or less. It is conventionally known that the release force required to pull both surfaces can be reduced by performing an inclined release. Consequently, as described above, the sealing element 19 is placed in the folded state with respect to the sealing break advance direction (arrow E in the Figure), so that the sealing element 19 at the connecting part 22 and the pocket of developer 16 are placed in the tilted release positional relationship, and the release force can be adjusted so that it is reduced. <Seal Breaker Element Structure>
[00138] The sealing disruption element 20 is used for the purpose of detaching the sealing element 19 from the developer pouch 16 by applying a force to the sealing element 19 to move the sealing element 19. The element The seal-breaking device 20 includes a support part (not shown) which is slit-shaped and which is pivotally supported by the second frame 18 at its ends, and includes an engagement portion 20b for securing the portion to be engaged. 19b of the sealing element 19. In this embodiment, the sealing rupture element 20 has a rectangular gap shape, and the portion to be engaged 19b of the sealing element 19 is engaged with the engaging portion 20b on a surface of the rectangular gap. . (Combined use as seal breaking element, thrust element and agitation element)
[00139] Additionally, the push element 21 to act externally on the developer pouch 16 to discharge the developer accommodated in the developer pouch 16, and the seal-breaking element 20 may consist of separate elements, respectively, but in this mode , the same part performs functions of the seal breaking element 20 and the thrust element 21.
[00140] Additionally, a function of agitating the developer discharged from the developer pouch 16 and a function of the seal-breaking element 20 can be performed by separate elements, respectively, but, in this mode, the seal-breaking element 20 also performs the shake function as the same part. (Effect of combined use as seal breaking element, thrust element and agitation element)
[00141] In this way, with the use of the same part (element) as the sealing breaking element 20, the thrust element 21 and the stirring element, the number of parts is reduced, so that it becomes possible to carry out the cost reduction and space saving. <Summary of Seal Breakage of Developer Accommodation Bag>
[00142] The seal disruption of the developer housing bag 16 will be described with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8.
[00143] The revealing device 38 includes a power application point part 20a where the sealing disruption element 20 applies force to pull the sealing element 19 in order to effect the sealing disruption, and includes the sealing part. frame attachment 18a for attaching the developer pouch 16 to be pulled.
[00144] The power application point part 20a is a part, closer to the connecting part 22, of a part where the sealing element 19 and the sealing breaking element 20 come into contact at the time of the sealing break . In (b) of Figure 7, a corner portion 20c of the seal disruption element consists of the power application point portion 20a. The fastening portion 18a of the second frame 18 includes a fastening portion 18c for suppressing movement of the developer pouch 16 caused by force during the seal breach. Additionally, starting from the connecting part 22, in this embodiment, the first attachment portion 18a of the frame and the first connecting portion 16d of the developer pouch are connected by ultrasonic pressing, and as shown in (b) and (c) of the Figure 7 and (a) of Figure 8, a portion, rear to the connecting portion 22, of the ultrasonic pressing portion of the first attachment portion 18a constitutes the attachment portion 18c.
[00145] Next, the drive transmission of the seal disruption element 20 will be described using Figure 50. Figure 50 includes schematic illustrations showing the drive transmission for the seal disruption element 20. Incidentally, in Figure 50, sealing member 19 and developer pouch 16, and the like, are omitted. First, the tear seal member 20 is pivotally supported at its ends by the first frame 17. Additionally, a gear 54 is connected to the tear seal member 20 at an end portion on one side. Additionally, gears (52, 53) are disposed in cartridge A. Additionally, gear 52 includes a coupling portion 52a for receiving the drive (drive force) from the image forming apparatus B. The forming apparatus The image plate B is provided with a drive means 51, and the drive means 51 includes, at its end, a coupling 51a for transmitting the drive to the cartridge A.
[00146] With respect to an arrow direction shown in (a) of Figure 50, the cartridge A is mounted on the inner side of the imaging apparatus B. Then the drive means 51 is moved in an arrow direction shown in (b) of Figure 50, so that the coupling part 51a of the drive means 51 and the coupling 52a of the gear 52 are engaged with each other. Then, as shown in (c) of Figure 50, the drive is transmitted from the drive means 51 of the imaging apparatus B to the gear 52, the gear 53 and the gear 54, so that the breaking element seal 20 is rotated. Incidentally, drive transmission from imaging apparatus B to cartridge B is not limited to projection and recess coupling, but can also be the use of a means, such as gear engagement, or the like, capable of the drive transmission.
[00147] Then, as shown in Figure 4, the seal breaking element 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow C by transmitting the driving force to it.
[00148] Then, a state just before the sealing element 19 is pulled by the further rotation of the sealing disruption element 20 to initiate the sealing disruption of the first connecting part 22a is shown in Figure 5 and (b) of Figure 7 With rotation, the sealing element 19 fixed to the sealing rupture element 20 by the part to be engaged 19b is pulled in the direction of the arrow D by the corner part 20c (power application point part 20a) of the breaking element rectangular seal 20.
[00149] When the sealing element 19 is pulled, the developer pouch 16 is pulled through the connecting part 22. Then, a force is applied to the first fastening part 16d of the developer pouch 16, so that the developer pouch developer 16 is pulled from the fastening part 18c towards the power application point part 20b by the fastening part 18c. Then, in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the sealing disruption element 20, the first connecting part 22a is moved in order to approach a line connecting the power application point part 20a and the fastening part 18c. At this time, with respect to the direction of the arrow D, from a side close to the rotation axis of the sealing breaking element 20, the parts are arranged in the order of the openings 35a, the first connecting part 22a, the folded part 19d and the fastening part 18c ((b) of Figure 7). In addition, the seal-breaking element 19 is bent between the first connecting part 22a and the part to be engaged 19b, and therefore force is applied to the part of the first connecting part 22a so that it is released by biasing in the direction of the arrow D. Then, the detachment of the first connecting part 22a is carried out to initiate the sealing rupture of the discharge part 35.
[00150] Additionally, together with the corner part 20c, also the energy application point part 20a is moved in the direction of the arrow C, and when the sealing element 19 comes into contact with a corner part 20d, the power application point part 20a is moved from corner part 20c to corner part 20d. Here, (b) of Figure 7 shows a state in which the power application point part 20a is the corner part (c), and (c) of Figure 7 shows a state in which the sealing disruption element 20 is further rotated and the power application point part is moved to the corner part 20d.
[00151] As shown in Figure 6 and (c) of Figure 7, in conjunction with advancing the seal break with further rotation of the seal break element 20, the bent part 19d is also advanced in the direction of arrow E. Then, the seal break advances further so that the openings 35a are exposed. A state in which the disengagement of the second connecting part 22b is to be started after the openings 35a are exposed is shown in (a) of Figure 8. Also at this time, similarly to the disengagement of the first connecting part 22a, the sealing element 19 is pulled towards the energy application point part 20a, and the developer bag 16 is held in a direction of the fixation part 18c (arrow H). Then, in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the sealing disruption element 20, the second connecting part 20b is moved in order to approach a line connecting the energy application point part 20a and the part of fixation 18c. Then, force is applied to the connecting part 22b part in the direction of arrow D, so that the second connecting part 22b is released. Then, the second connecting part 22b is detached to complete the seal break ((b) of Figure 8 and Figure 9). Then, the developer inside the developer pouch 16 passes through the openings 35a of the discharge part 35, and is arranged in a direction of the arrow I.
[00152] In this way, the sealing element 19 is wrapped around the sealing disruption element 20 by rotating the sealing disruption element 20, so that the connecting part 22 is broken. The sealing element 19 is rolled up by rotation and therefore a space required to move the sealing breaking element 20 can only be required as a rotation space, and compared to the case where the sealing element 19 is moved by the movement other than rotation, space saving is possible.
[00153] Additionally, the openings 35a can also be exposed by rotation of the seal disruption element 20 by the user to wind the sealing element 19. However, it is preferred that the seal disruption element 20 is rotated by the drive from the imaging apparatus B to wind the sealing element 19, provided the operation does not disturb the user.
[00154] By providing the sealing element 19 with the bent part 19d, the connecting part 22 can be disengaged by tilting without effecting the shear release and can be reliably broken.
[00155] Additionally, the part to be engaged (19b), to be engaged with the sealing breaking element 20, to break the seal of the sealing element 19 on an end side of the sealing element 19 with respect to a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction F, in which the plurality of openings 35a is disposed, is provided, so that the sealing element 19 can be reliably engaged and broken.
[00156] Additionally, by providing the frame with the fastening part 18c, the developer bag 16 is supported during the sealing break, so that even a soft and deformable developer bag 16 becomes reliably breakable.
[00157] Additionally, in relation to the developer discharge during the seal disruption, as described above, the connecting part 22 is moved over the line connecting the power application point part 20a and the fastening part 18c (in order of (a) of Figure 7, (b) of Figure 7, (c) of Figure 7 and (a) of Figure 8). By this movement, the developer on the periphery of the openings 35a is moved so that the agglomeration of the developer can be broken.
[00158] Additionally, as shown in Figure 34, the seal-breaking element 20 is breakable even when the seal-breaking element 20 is rotated in a rotational direction of an arrow C2. In this way, the rotational direction of the seal disruption element 20 is selectable from the direction C shown in Figures 4 to 9 and the direction C2 of Figure 34, and can be suitably selected depending on the design. (Disposition ratio of the fastening part associated with the seal break)
[00159] As shown in Figure 4, in order to reliably detach the first connecting part 22b, the following disposition relationship is required between the first connecting part 22b and the fastening part 18c. During the sealing rupture, with respect to the fastening part 18c, the sealing rupture element 20 pulls the sealing element 19 in the direction of the arrow D. At this time, in relation to the movement direction D of the sealing element 19 by the element of sealing break 20, the fastening part 18c is provided on an upstream side of the openings 35a. For this reason, a force is applied to the fastening part 18c in the direction of arrow H. Therefore, when the sealing breaking force is applied, the sealing element 19 is pulled in the direction of arrow H and in the direction of arrow D between the fastening part 18c and the sealing breaking member 20 to apply a force to the first connecting part 20a, thus advancing the sealing tear in the direction of arrow E. Thus, if the fastening part 18c is not provided upstream with respect to the direction of movement D of the sealing element 19, the entire developer bag 16 is pulled in the direction in which the breaching sealing element 20 is pulled, so that force cannot be applied to the first part of connection 22a and the seal break cannot be effected.
[00160] In this way, the fastening part 18c is provided upstream with respect to the direction of movement D of the sealing element 19, so that reliable sealing disruption becomes possible. (Distance ratio of the fastening part associated with the seal break)
[00161] As shown in Figure 22 and Figure 23, in order to reliably detach the first connecting part 22b, the following length relationship is required between the first connecting part 22a and the fastening part 18c. Firstly, a point of the first connecting part 22a is finally disengaged when a flat surface which passes the sealing tear element 20, the openings 35a and the fastening part 18c and which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the sealing tear element 20 is displayed, consists of a first point 22d. The first point 22d is an end part point of the first connecting part 22a close to the openings. Additionally, a distance from the fastening part 18c to the first point 22d along the developer pocket 16 is M1. Additionally, a measured distance from the first attachment portion 18d to the first point 22d along the developer accommodating pocket 16 with respect to the direction including the openings 35a is M2. Incidentally, the openings 35a consist of a space in which the material for the developer pouch 16 is not present, but a width of the openings 35a is also included in the distance.
[00162] At this time, M1 < M2 is satisfied to allow the first linking part to be unhooked. Here, the relationship above M1 < M2 will be specifically described. (Case of M1 < M2)
[00163] Firstly, in the case where M1 < M2 is satisfied, as shown in Figure 22, a force (arrow D) to pull the sealing element 19 to the first connecting part 22a by the sealing breaking element 20 and a force (arrow H) of the fastening part are applied to the first linking part 22a, so that the first linking part 22a can be disengaged by tilting. By performing the release by tilting, the release force can be adjusted to a low level. Here, (a) of Figure 22 shows before the seal breakage and (b) of Figure 22 shows just before the first connecting part 22a is broken. (Case of M1> M2)
[00164] On the other hand, in the case of M1 > M2, as shown in Figure 23, the pulling force by the sealing breaking element 20 is not applied to the first connecting part 22a, but is applied to the second connecting part 22b . In this case, the force is not applied to the first connecting part 22a and therefore the first connecting part 22a is not released. In this case, the force (arrow D) from the sealing breaking element 20 and the holding force (arrow H) from the fastening part 18c are applied to the second connecting part 22b. In this state, to the second connecting part 22b, the force (arrow D) to pull the sealing element 19 by the sealing breaking element 20 and the holding force (arrow H) of the fastening part 18c (in the direction of arrow H ) are applied, and in the part of the second connecting part 22b, the release relationship is a shear release relationship and therefore it is difficult to break the seal of the second connecting part 22b. This is due to the fact that shear release requires a greater force compared to shear release.
[00165] Here, (a) of Figure 23 is a view before the seal disruption and (b) of Figure 23 is a view when the force (arrow D) to pull the sealing element 19 by the seal disruption element 20 is applied to the connecting part (the second connecting part in this case) by the rotation of the sealing disruption member 20. In addition, to the second connecting part 22b, force is applied, but is applied based on the shear release ratio and therefore, in comparison with the case of release by tilting, a very large force is required, so that it becomes difficult to reduce the release force. (Distance in the case where the projection (rib) is present)
[00166] Incidentally, here, the definition of a way to measure the distances described above M1 and M2 will be described. The distances M1 and M2 are important when the sealing element 19 is pulled during the sealing break. In the case where there is no 16t projection rib in an intermediate part of the trajectories of M1 and M2, it may only require that the developed distances, as shown in Figure 22 and Figure 23, be measured. Additionally, as shown in Figure 24, in the case where there is the projection 16t formed, by means of a connection in the manufacture, in the intermediate position of the trajectories of M1 and M2, even when the sealing element 19 is pulled during the sealing rupture, the 16t projection is not stretched (detached) and therefore the 16t projection part is not included in distances M1 and M2. That is, the part, such as the 16t projection, which does not affect the force transmission, is not included in the distances M1 and M2.
[00167] As described above, based on the ratio of M1 < M2, the first link part 22a is broken earlier than the second link part 22b. By breaking the sealing of the first connecting part 22a earlier than the second connecting part 22b, the bent part 19d of the sealing element 19 can be provided in the first connecting part 22a. By means of this folded part 19d, the detachment does not consist in the detachment by shear, but it consists in the detachment by inclination. Hereby, reliably, the sealing element 19 can be detached from the developer pouch 16, so that it is possible to provide a breakable developing device 38. (Case of plurality of fastening parts)
[00168] Here, a relationship between a plurality of fastening parts and the seal breach will be described using Figure 31. Immediately before the seal breach member 20 if rotated from a state of (a) of Figure 31 for breaking the seal of the first connecting portion 22a is (b) of Figure 31. In this embodiment, the first attachment portion 18a and the second attachment portion 18b are provided. Here, the force during the sealing rupture is applied to the first fastening part 18a arranged in a place close to the first connecting part 22a, which is first broken while placing the openings 35a between the parts 22a and 22b. For this reason, the second fixing part 18b is not required to be taken into account in the ways of measuring distances M1 and M2 described above. Thus, in the case where there is a plurality of fastening parts, the fastening part is arranged in place close to the first connecting part 22a, which is first broken, while placing the openings 35a, between the parts 22a and 22b, to which the force during the seal break is to be applied can be used as a basis (of the seal break). (Positional relationship of the second connecting part)
[00169] An arrangement in which the second connecting part 22b can be ruptured more satisfactorily without being wrapped around the sealing disruption element 20 will be described using Figure 12 which shows a state immediately before the first part connection 22a to be broken. Firstly, an end part of the first connecting part 22a on a side away from the openings 35a is a second point 22e. An end part of the second connecting part 22b on a side away from the openings 35a is a third point 22f. Here, a distance from the second point 22e to the third point 22f is L1. Additionally, a distance from the second point 22e to the energy application point part 20a is L2. At this moment, a relationship between the distance L1 and perpendicular to L2 requires a relationship of L1 < L2.
[00170] The reason for this is that, in the case where L1 is the distance L2, the second connection part 22b reaches the power application point part 22a before the detachment of the second connection part 22b is terminated, and the second connecting part 22b is wound over the sealing breaking element 20. Force cannot be applied in order to detach the sealing element 19 from the second connecting part 22b. For this reason, it becomes difficult to break the seal of the sealing element 19 from the developer pouch 16.
[00171] As described above, the relationship between the distance L1 and the distance L2 is made L1 < L2, the sealing element 19 is satisfactorily breakable without being rolled over the sealing disruption element 20. (Function of connecting parts that define openings)
[00172] A summary of the connecting parts 35b, which define the openings, which play a large role in the seal-breaking operation of the developer pouch 16, will be described.
[00173] Figure 11 is a view of the discharge part 35 when the disengagement of the part, in the first connecting part 22a, to be first broken, is completed to expose the openings 35a, and is a state in which the disengagement in the second 22b binding part is not terminated. As described above, the discharge part 35 includes the plurality of openings 35a disposed at different positions with respect to the perpendicular direction F to the seal rupture direction E, in which the exposure of the openings 35a advances. For this reason, also the plurality of connecting parts 35b defining the plurality of openings 35a are arranged in a plurality of positions with respect to direction F. Hereby, the plurality of connecting parts 35b joins the first connecting part 22a and the second connecting part 22b with respect to the E direction, in which the sealing disruption of the openings 35a advances. For this reason, at the time of the state of Figure 8 in which the sealing breakage of the first connecting part 22a is completed, the force when the second connecting part 22b is broken can be received by the first fastening part 16d through the parts of connection 35b, so that the force for disengaging the sealing member 19 from the developer pouch 16 can be transferred. That is, forces are applied to the second connecting part 22b in the directions of arrow D and arrow E, so that also in the second connecting part 22b, the sealing element 19 is releasable.
[00174] A similar effect can be obtained also in cases other than the case where the openings 35a are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the seal rupture direction F, as shown in (b) of Figure 28 as described above. Even when the openings 35a are not completely disposed in the direction perpendicular to the sealing rupture direction E, as shown in (c) of Figure 28, the connecting parts 35b can transmit force for the detachment of the sealing element 19 from of the developer pouch 16 as shown by an arrow P. Additionally, even when the openings 35 overlap each other with respect to the seal rupture direction E, as shown in (d) of Figure 28, the connecting parts 35b can transmit the force, to obliquely disengage the sealing member 19 from the developer pouch 16, as shown by an arrow P. That is, it may only be required that the plurality of openings 35a be disposed in different positions with respect to direction F perpendicular to the seal break direction E.
[00175] Additionally, as shown in (b) of Figure 28, a part including the connecting parts 35b at a periphery of the openings 35a can also be used as the connecting part 22. Also in this case, by the presence of the parts of connecting 35b, the force can be transmitted to the end of the disengagement in the connecting part 22, so that the sealing rupture is carried out reliably.
[00176] Additionally, with regard to a relationship between the axis of rotation of the sealing breaking element 20 and the openings 35a, it can be said that the openings 35a are arranged in different positions in relation to the direction R of the axis of rotation of the sealing breaking element 20. Thereby, the connecting parts 35b for joining the first and second connecting parts 22a and 22b with respect to the perpendicular direction (arrow E) to the axis of rotation of the sealing breaking element 20. It can it is only required that the openings 35a be located at different positions in the direction of the rotational geometric axis R of the sealing breach element. Even when the apertures 35a overlap each other with respect to the direction of the rotational axis R, as shown in (b) of Figure 28, and do not completely overlap each other with respect to the direction of the rotational axis R, as shown in ( c) of Figure 28, the force can be transmitted as shown by arrow P and there is the effect of connecting parts 35b.
Thus, by the presence of connecting parts 35b for joining the first and second connecting parts 22a and 22b at the discharge part 35, the developer accommodating container 26 which accommodates the developer and the developer accommodating container 30 including the seal-breaking element 20 can transmit the seal-breaking force from the seal-breaking element 20 until the second connecting portion 22b is broken, so that the seal-breaking can be reliably effected.
[00178] Additionally, a relationship between the openings 35a and the part to be engaged 19b of the sealing member will be described (Figure 3). The part to be engaged 19b is provided on an end side of the sealing element 19 with respect to the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of openings are disposed.
[00179] A relationship between the openings 35a and the seal disruption element 20 will be described (Figure 3). The sealing breach element 20 is provided on an end side of the sealing element 19 with respect to the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of openings are disposed.
[00180] Also in such a constitution, it is possible to obtain the effect of transmitting the sealing breaking force of the sealing breaking element 20 by the connecting parts 35b until the second connecting part 22b is broken. (Example where connecting parts are separate elements)
[00181] Additionally, as shown in Figure 21, the connecting parts 35b defining the openings 35a can also be separate elements (connecting elements 16f). In this case, a constitution is employed in which a single long opening 16a in the direction F perpendicular to the sealing breaking direction E is provided and the connecting elements 16f as the separate element connecting both sides of the opening 16a along the direction of E-seal breakouts are provided over the single long opening 16a. At this time, the connecting elements 16f are connected on each of the first connecting part 22a side and the second connecting part 22b side of the single long opening 16a by adhesive bonding, welding or the like.
[00182] Incidentally, also in the case where the developer pouch 16 is provided with connecting elements 16f, the sealing element 19 is folded between the connecting part 22 and the part to be engaged 19b as described above and is wrapped around of the sealing tear element 20 so that the developer pouch 16 is breakable. Employing such a constitution, the connecting parts 35b defining the openings in the case where the plurality of openings 35a is provided, and the connecting elements 16f perform the same function. That is, the single long opening 16a is the same as the case where there is a plurality of openings 35a by providing the connecting elements 16f.
[00183] Therefore, when the sealing element 19 is released in the second connecting part 22b after the sealing break in the first connecting part 22a is completed, the force (arrow D) during the sealing rupture in the second connecting part 22b by the sealing breaking element 20 can be received by the first fastening part 16d through the connecting elements 16f with respect to the direction of the arrow H. Therefore, the force to detach the sealing element 19 from the developer pocket 16 can be transmitted. That is, forces are applied to the second connecting part 22b in the direction of arrow D and in the direction of arrow H, so that the sealing break is allowed also in the second connecting part 22b.
[00184] In this way, the single long opening 16a forms the plurality of openings 35a by the connecting elements 16f, so that it also becomes possible to strengthen only the connecting elements 16f. (Open property problem in case of no connecting part)
[00185] Here, an example will be described in which the present invention is not applied and it is difficult to break the seal of the developer pouch 16. That is, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the case where there are no connecting parts 35b and it becomes difficult to break the seal. Figure 13 is an example in which there are no connecting parts 35b and there is a single opening 16a, in which (a) of Figure 13 is a view showing a state before detachment in the second connecting part 22b, and (b) of Figure 13 and Figure 15 are views showing a state when the sealing element 19 is released at the second connecting part. Additionally, Figure 8 includes enlarged sectional views at a periphery of the opening 35a in states before and after the sealing member 19 is released at the second connecting part 22b in this embodiment, and Figure 14 includes sectional views at the periphery of the opening. 35a in the case where there are no connecting parts 35b and thus it becomes difficult to effect the seal rupture.
[00186] In this case, a state in which the sealing break advances to the second connecting part 22b consists of (a) of Figure 14, and from this state, the sealing element 19 is pulled and moved in the direction of the arrow D by further rotation of the sealing breaking element 20. Then, since there are no connecting parts 35b, the force from the first fastening part 16d cannot be transmitted to the side of the second connecting part 22b in the central part of opening 16a. For this reason, as shown in (b) of Figure 14 and (b) of Figure 13, a bonding force from the fastening part 18a of the frame to the second fastening part 22b is eliminated, so that the opening 16a opens gradually in the direction of arrow D. Additionally, the second connecting part 22b is pulled by the sealing element 19, so that the opening 16a is deformed as shown in (c) of Figure 14. In this case, a force acting on the second connecting part 22b fails to provide the positional tilt release relationship as shown in Figure 8 and causes shear release (approximately 0 degrees of release) by deforming the opening 35a as shown in (c) of Figure 14, so that great force is required for detachment. Furthermore, the supporting force of the first fastening part 16d cannot be transmitted to the second fastening part 22b and therefore the second fastening part 22b is pulled by the sealing breaking element 20 without causing the disengagement of the fastening element. seal 19 from it. For this reason, the opening 16a in the vicinity of a central longitudinal part of the second connecting part 22b additionally opens to a large extent so that the second connecting part 22b is wound onto the sealing breaking element 20.
[00187] Incidentally, if an element to accommodate the developer consists of a rigid element, such as a frame, there is no such deformation, so that the seal can be made as in the conventional example. However, in the case of a constitution in which the developer is accommodated in a soft, deformable bag-like element and an opening that is deformed during the sealing break is broken, as described above, when there are no connecting parts 35b, it becomes difficult to break the seal.
[00188] As described above, the sealing element 19 (= toner seal) is made breakable by transmitting driving force to the sealing breaking element 20 of the imaging apparatus B, and there is no need for the user to loosen the toner seal so that the developer device 38 and the process cartridge A can be replaced and used more simply. Additionally, the sealing element 19 after the sealing breach is fixed to the sealing breach element 20, so that the sealing breach can be effected without removing a residual material from the process cartridge A. <In relation to the summary of the impulse element and developer discharge> (Impulse element)
[00189] As shown in Figure 16, the thrust element 21 is provided with a shaft part 21a and a thrust blade 21b fixed to the shaft part 21a and is rotatably provided within the first frame 17 and the second frame 18 .
[00190] Firstly, the shaft part 21a performs a function by means of the same part as the seal breaking element 20 (21a = 20). Therefore, as described above, the driving force is transmitted to the shaft part 21a by the non-shown drive means of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus B, so that the thrust element 21 (= 20) is rotated in the direction of arrow C.
[00191] Then, the thrust blade 21b is fixed on a surface of a rectangular shaft part 21a in cross section and is rotated together with the shaft part 21a. Incidentally, the thrust blade 21b is a flexible blade formed from a material, such as PET, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) or polycarbonate, in a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.1 mm, and one end of the same. projects to the outside of a circumscribed circle of the shaft part 21a. Here, in this mode, a different surfaces of the axle part 21a, the sealing element 19 and the thrust blade 21a are fixed, but they can also be fixed on the same surface of the axle part 21a.
[00192] Additionally, as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17, the thrust blade 21b also performs the function of shaking the developer and feeding the developer towards the developer cylinder 13 and the developer supply cylinder 23. <Summary of developer unloading from developer bag> (Discharge summary from before the seal break to during the seal break)
[00193] Firstly, in relation to the discharge of the developer from before the seal rupture until the moment of the beginning of the seal rupture, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 described above, the sealing element 19 is pulled towards the power application point part 20a (arrow D), and the developer pouch 16 is supported by the fastening part 18c. For this reason, during sealing rupture, three locations consisting of the power application point part 20a, the frame fastening part 18c and the connecting part 22 location where the sealing element 19 is detached, are moved in a direction in which these three locations are aligned in a straight line in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the sealing tear element 20. In this way, the position of the openings 35a is changed between the moment before the tear element of sealing 20 apply force to the sealing element 19 to perform the sealing breaking operation and the moment when the sealing breaking operation is initiated to break the sealing of the connection in the first connection part 22a, so that the stagnation of the developer in the vicinity of openings 35a can be avoided and a discharge property is good. (Discharge summary after seal rupture: during impulse)
[00194] Additionally, after the sealing breakage, when the sealing element 19 is breached from the developer bag 16 described above, as shown in (b) of Figure 8, the openings 35a are arranged to open towards below of the developer pouch 16 and therefore the developer in the vicinity of the openings 35a is discharged by the action of gravity and vibration, or the like, of the developer pouch 16 during the seal break.
[00195] After the seal breach, when the seal breach element 20 is further rotated, also the thrust blade 21b fixed to the seal breach element 20 to drive the developer bag 16 is rotated so that the thrust blade 21b is wound onto the seal-breaking element 20 by the developer bag 16, as shown in Figure 9. Here, as shown in Figure 16, the thrust blade 21b has elasticity and therefore is likely to be restored to an original shape, thus pushing the developer bag 16 in a direction of arrow J. At this time, the developer bag 16 is driven by the thrust blade 21b and is pressed against the second frame 18 through the toner, so that the entire developer bag 16 is deformed. Additionally, the developer bag 16 is driven by the thrust blade 21b to be decreased in its internal volume. In this way, upon decreasing in volume and changing the overall shape of the developer pouch 16, the developer within the developer pouch 16 is agitated and thus the developer is readily discharged from the openings 35a. Additionally, at this time, the developer bag 16 is closed, except for the openings 35a, and there is no escape path except for the openings 35a, and therefore the discharge property from the openings 35a is high. Through the discharge action as described above, the developer is promptly discharged in the direction of arrow I.
[00196] Incidentally, at this time, if the developer pouch 16 is brought into contact with and pressed against the second frame 18 at least in part thereof, the developer pouch 16 is deformable.
[00197] Additionally, by aligning the direction of the rotational axis of the developing cylinder 13 and the arrangement direction F of the plurality of openings 35a, the developer can be easily supplied over the entire longitudinal direction of the developing cylinder 13 during discharge without being located.
[00198] Additionally, when the developing device 38 is mounted on the imaging apparatus B, by providing the openings 35a to be opened to the direction of gravity, the developer discharge property can be improved.
[00199] Additionally, the push element 21 provided within the frames (17, 18) drives the developer pocket 16 to be pressed against the second frame 18, whereby the developer discharge property can be improved.
[00200] Additionally, the thrust element 21 also uses a flexible blade which includes a base material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene or polypropylene and which is 0.03 to 0.15 mm thick and therefore , participates in the discharge action by a mechanism similar to that of the thrust blade 21b described above. (Discharge summary: restoration of developer bag shape)
[00201] Then, as shown in Figure 17, the seal-breaking element 20 is further rotated so that the thrust blade 21b is separated from the developer pouch 16. At this time, the developer pouch 16 has flexibility and therefore is likely to be restored to the state before the push by the developer's weight (arrow K). Then, the push blade 21b is also rotated and drives the developer pouch 16 towards the second frame 18, as shown in Figure 16, so that the developer pouch 16 is deformed to move the developer into a position other than the proximities. from the openings 35a, and developer is discharged from the openings 35a. (Discharge summary: re-seal break/restoration)
[00202] In the case where the developer immediately after the seal break is present in the developer bag 16 in a large amount, an inlet amount from the thrust blade 21b to the seal break element 20 is repetitively changed so that the developer pouch 16 is deformed so that it is pressed against the second frame 18. The contraction of the developer pouch 16 by thrust with the thrust element 21 and the restoration of the developer pouch 16 by the weight of the developer within the developer pouch 16 and by the flexibility of the developer bag 16 are repeated. Additionally, by means of the action described above, the developer pouch 16 itself is moved and therefore the developer pouch 16 is vibrated, so that the developer inside the developer pouch 16 is discharged from the openings 35a also by means of of this vibration. Additionally, the push element 21 is rotated and therefore is capable of repetitively pushing the developer pouch 16. (Example where the developer bag is applied to the frame)
[00203] Incidentally, a part 27 where the developer pouch 16 is pushed against the second frame 18 is as shown in Figure 25, even in the case where a connecting part 28, such as an adhesive or double-sided tape, is provided and connects the developer pouch 16 to the second frame 18, the push blade 21b can drive the developer pouch 16 to discharge the developer. (Case where the amount of developer becomes small)
[00204] The case where the amount of developer within the developer pouch 16 becomes small by performing imaging will be described using Figure 32. Incidentally, for simplification, the push element 21 will be mainly described, but also in relation to the sealing element 19, a similar phenomenon occurs. Immediately after the seal is broken, as shown in (a) of Figure 32, the shape of the developer bag 16 follows the shape of the push element 21 so that the developer bag 16 always contacts the push element 21 through the weight of the accommodated developer, and a size (internal volume) is periodically changed. However, when the accommodated developer becomes small, as shown in (b) of Figure 32, the weight of the developer becomes light, so that the developer bag 16 does not follow the push element 21 and repeats the periodic separation and the contact with the push element 21. The developer pouch 16 and the push element 21 periodically make contact with each other and therefore the developer can be discharged by the vibration of the developer pouch 16.
[00205] Depending on a positional relationship between the developer bag 16 and the push element 21, there is the case where the developer bag 16 and the push element 21 never come into contact with each other at the time when the developer becomes small. That is, the discharge of the developer by periodic contact is not effected and therefore there is a possibility that the developer that is not discharged will remain in the developer bag 16. At this time, as shown in (c) of Figure 32, a constitution in whereby the thrust blade 21b is attached to the thrust element 21 and is of sufficient length to always bring the thrust blade 21b into contact with the developer pouch 16 may preferably be employed. In this way, the push blade 21b is placed in contact with the developer bag 16 in a flexed (curved) state, and therefore, even in the case where the developer becomes small and the developer bag 16 is deformed, a state in the which the developer bag 16 and the push element 21 do not come into contact with each other is not created, so that the discharge effect can be maintained. That is, when the flexible blade is used as the drive element 21, depending on the state of the developer bag, it is possible to change a distance from the center of the axis of rotation of the drive element to an application (action) point where the 16 developer pouch is boosted. Specifically, when sufficient toner is contained in developer bag 16, push blade 21b drives developer bag 16 into the flexed state, but as toner in developer bag 16 becomes small, push blade 21b is placed in contact with the developer bag 16 in a state in which flexion of the same is further eliminated.
[00206] Additionally, in relation to the direction of the rotational geometric axis of the thrust element 21, even in the case where the location is caused in the developer in the developer bag 16 and the non-uniformity of contact between the developer bag 16 and the blade of thrust 21b is generated, if the constitution described above, in which the thrust blade 21b is fixed to the thrust element 21 is employed, it is possible to maintain the discharge effect similarly as described above. (Combined use as thrust blade and sealing element)
[00207] Incidentally, a single part can also be used as the thrust blade 21b and the sealing element 19 to fulfill the functions of these elements. That is, after breaking the seal, the connecting part 22 is separated from the developer pouch 16 and therefore one end of the sealing element 19 on the side of the connecting part 22 consists of a free end. For this reason, the sealing element 19 can have the function of the thrust blade 21b. In this way, the sealing breaking element 20 can have the function of the shaft part 21a of the thrust element 21, and the sealing element 19 can have the function of the thrust blade 21b.
[00208] In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and thus the cost reduction can be realized.
[00209] As described above, the developer within the developer pouch 16 can be satisfactorily discharged without providing another discharge part, such as a developer discharge cylinder at the openings 35a such as the developer discharge port, so that clumping and binding of the developer in the vicinity of openings 35a can be avoided. Hereby, even in the case where the developer in the developer pouch 16 is agglomerated by squeezing during transport, storage, or the like, the agglomerated developer is separated by such movement from the entire developer pouch 16 and the periphery of the openings 35a , so it is possible to avoid a state in which it becomes difficult to unload the developer. (Example where the impulse element is single part)
[00210] Additionally, the thrust element 21 is not separate parts consisting of the shaft part 21a and the thrust blade 21b, but even when the thrust element 21 is a single part as shown in (a) of Figure 26 and is provided with a projection (projected part) 21c which functions as the thrust blade 21b, the developer can similarly be discharged. In the case where the thrust element 21 is constituted only by the shaft part 21a, when the thrust element 21 is viewed in its cross section perpendicular to its center of rotation, the developer pocket 16 can be pressed against a frame 29 to be deformed even in the case where the cross section of the shaft part 21a has a polygonal shape ((b) of Figure 26) or has a cam shape ((c) of Figure 26). This is due to the fact that, when the thrust element 21 is arranged to make contact with at least the developer pocket 16, a distance from the center of rotation to the outer end of the thrust element 21 is changed and, therefore, the input amount from the push element 21 to the developer pouch 16 is also changed. That is, as long as the shaft portion does not consist of an shaft that has a circular cross section that includes the rotational geometric axis as its center, the developer pocket 16 can be deformed by the rotation of the thrust element 21. As shown in the Figure 26, a distance 21c from the center of the thrust element 21 to a remote outer end of the thrust element 21 and a close distance 21d to an outer end are different from each other and therefore the input amount of the thrust element 21 for developer bag 16 also PE modified.
[00211] Additionally, (b) of Figure 33 is a sectional view of a thrust element 21 having a cross-sectional shape, and (a) of Figure 33 is a cross-sectional illustration of the accommodation unit of developer 25 including thrust element 21 in the form of a cross. As shown in Figure 33, in the case where four projections (projected parts) 21e having the same distance from the center of the thrust element 21 to the outer end are provided, the external configurations (21c) of the four projections 21e are equal to one another. others. However, the push element 21 includes a part, different from the projections 21e, which has an outer end (distance 21d) close to the center and therefore the input amount to the developer pouch 16 can be changed. That is, the thrust element 21 can be made a swivel element which includes parts different in distance from the center of rotation of the thrust element 21 to the outer end of the thrust element in cross section perpendicular to the center of rotation of the thrust element 21.
[00212] In this way, the developer bag 16 is driven by the push element 21 (arrow J) to be pressed against the frame 29, thus being deformed to decrease its internal volume, so that the internal developer is pushed towards off to be discharged from the openings 35a (arrow I).
[00213] Additionally, in an attitude during imaging, the axis part 21a (= 20) of the thrust element 21 is positioned under the developer bag 16 with respect to the direction of gravity, and comes into contact with the bag of developer 16. Additionally, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft part 21a (= 20) of the thrust element 21 is rectangular and is not circular and therefore, by means of the rotation of the shaft part 21a (= 20), the input amount from shaft part 21a (= 20) to developer pouch 16 is periodically changed as described above. Also by changing the input amount from the shaft part 21a (= 20) to the developer pouch 16, the developer pouch 16 can be changed in volume and can be vibrated so that the developer discharge property can be perfected.
[00214] Additionally, if the constitution in which the thrust blade 21b is fixed to the thrust element 21 is employed, the thrust blade 21b is placed in contact with the developer pocket 16 and is in the flexed state and therefore even in the case where the developer pouch 16 is deformed, a state in which the developer pouch 16 and the push element 21 do not come into contact with each other is not created. For this reason, it is possible to keep the flushing effect. Additionally, even when the constitution in which the thrust blade 21b having the flexibility is provided is not employed, the discharge effect can be similarly maintained as described above, also causing the projection 21c to have a shape similar to the thin blade. , so that it is flexible and long enough to contact the developer bag 16. <Summary of the developer boost and circulation element in the developer bag>
[00215] As described above, as the functional effect of the impulse element 21 described above, the discharge of toner has been described, but hereinafter a developer circulation function, in the developer bag, which is another functional effect of the thrust element 21 described above will be described using Figure 17.
[00216] As shown in Figure 17, rotation of the seal-breaking element 20 advances, so that the thrust blade 21b separates from the developer pouch 16. At this time, the developer pouch 16 has flexibility and therefore , will be restored, by the weight of the accommodated developer, to the state before being boosted (arrow K). Additionally, the push blade 21b is also rotated to push, as shown in Figure 16, the developer pocket 16 towards the second frame 18 to thereby deform the developer pocket 16 so that the developer is in a different position. from the vicinity of the openings 35a is also moved, and by means of this movement of the developer, the developer circulation function (action) in the developer pocket 16 is generated. That is, the deformation function of the developer pouch 16 moves the developer in the developer pouch 16, thus generating the flowing function of developer into the developer pouch 16. Additionally, a deformation range of the developer pouch and the function of developer circulation are in a proportional relationship. <Mode 2> <Vacuum molding>
[00217] As in embodiment 2, in place of the developer pouch 16 in embodiment 1, a developer accommodation element 34 is used.
[00218] The developer accommodation element 34 is formed by forming a sheet-like material by means of vacuum molding, air pressure molding or pressure molding, and is used. The developer accommodating container 30 including the seal-disrupting element includes, similarly to embodiment 1, the developer-accomodating element 34, the sealing element 19, the seal-disrupting element 20, the first frame 17 and the second frame 18. Incidentally, the seal-breaking element 20 consists of an element having the function of the thrust element 21 and the developer agitation function similarly to mode 1. (Developer bag structure)
[00219] As shown in Figure 18 and (c) of Figure 29, the developer accommodation element 34 is constituted by a molded part 34a consisting of a flexible container formed by vacuum molding, air pressure molding or molding by pressure, and (consisting of) an air permeable portion similar to blade 34b. Here, the connection between the molded part 34a and the air permeable part 34b is made by welding (hot), laser welding, an adhesive, an adhesive tape, or the like. The reason why an air permeability is imparted to the developer accommodating element 34 is the same as that in mode 1 and is that the developer accommodating element 34 encounters states during manufacturing, during transport and during storage .
[00220] As the material for the molded part 34a, ABS, PMMA, PC, PP, PE, HIPS, PET, PVC, and the like and multilayer composite materials of these materials are preferred. Additionally, the thickness of the molded part 34a may preferably be from about 0.1 to 1 mm in the shape of the blade prior to molding. The material and thickness of molded part 34a may only be required to be properly selected depending on cost, product specification, condition of manufacture, and the like.
[00221] The molded part 34a is connected to the air permeable part 34b at an outer peripheral part 34c of the molded part 34a. The developer accommodation element 34 accommodates the developer therein. Additionally, in a part of the outer peripheral part 34c, the fixing parts 16d (parts to be fixed) of the developer accommodation element 34 are provided. The shape of the molded part 34a follows the interior (shape) of the frames 17 and 18 ( Figure 19).
[00222] Additionally, the developer accommodating container 26, in which the developer is accommodated, is constituted by the developer accommodating element 34 and the sealing element 19 to breakably cover the discharge portion 35 of the developer accommodating element. developer 34 to seal the toner within the developer housing element 34.
[00223] The developer accommodation container 30 including the sealing breach element is constituted by the sealing breach element 20 to break the seal of the sealing element 19 from the developer accommodation element 34 and the accommodation container of developer 26 in which the developer is accommodated.
[00224] The developing device 38 is constituted by the developer housing container 30 which includes the sealing breaking element, the developing cylinder 13 as the developing means, the developing blade 15 and the first frame 17 and the second frame 18 which support these elements.
[00225] Here, the discharge part 35 is provided in the molded part 34a, and also a constitution of this discharge part 35 is the same as that of mode 1, and a plurality of openings 35a and connecting parts 35b to define the plurality of openings 35a are provided with respect to direction F substantially perpendicular to the sealing breach direction E in which the sealing breach of the developer accommodation element 34 advances. That is, the plurality of openings 35a are arranged at different positions with respect to the direction F perpendicular to the direction of seal disruption E. In addition, the plurality of openings 35a are arranged at different positions with respect to the direction of the axis of rotation of the element. sealing disruption 20. Additionally, the part to be engaged 19b is provided on an end side of the sealing element 19 with respect to the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of openings 35a is disposed. Additionally, the sealing breach element 20 is provided on the end side of the sealing element 19 with respect to the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of openings 35a is disposed. The fastening part includes a fastening part 16d, necessary for the seal disruption, which corresponds to the first fastening part 16d in mode 1. The shape of the developer housing element 34 itself is intended to be maintained by the molded part 34a and the developer accommodation element 34 is shaped to follow the frame, and therefore the developer accommodation element 34 is supported by the frame as a whole, so that the developer accommodation element 34 is not readily moved towards to the developer supply cylinder 23 and the developer cylinder 13.
[00226] Then, as a means for fixing the fastening part, it is possible to mention welding (by heat), ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, insertion between the frames, heat pressing, ultrasonic pressing, the hook using the hole and the projection, and the like.
[00227] Incidentally, the constitutions of the sealing element 19 and the sealing breaking element 20 are the same as those of mode 1. <Developer Accommodation Bag Seal Break Summary>
[00228] Next, the seal disruption of the developer accommodation bag will be described. Here, the fastening part and the part thereof are substantially the same as in mode 1, and the force ratio is also the same as in mode 1. Therefore, the step of breaking the seal is also the same as in mode 1 (Figure 7 and Figure 8).
[00229] In mode 2, openings 35a are arranged in molded part 34a, but also molded part 34a is flexible similarly to mode 1, so that the force ratio is the same as in mode 1. Therefore, also in mode 2 , the plurality of connecting portions 35b join the first connecting portion 22a and the second connecting portion 22b with respect to the direction E in which the sealing breach advances. For this reason, when the sealing break in the first connecting part 22a is completed and the sealing breaking in the second connecting part 22b is effected, a force to detach the sealing element 19 from the developer accommodation element 34 may be transmitted. For this reason, the breaking of the seal also at the connecting part 22b becomes possible.
[00230] In addition, the developer discharge port after sealing disruption is the same as that of mode 1. When the sealing element 19 is breached from the developer housing element 34 described above, firstly, the openings 35a are arranged in the lower part of the developer accommodating element 34, and therefore the position of the openings 35a during the seal disruption is moved at the same time as gravity acts on the openings 35a, so that the developer is discharged. Additionally, by vibration, or the like, of the developer accommodating element 34, the developer in the vicinity of the openings 35a is discharged. Here, the seal-breaking element 20 also functions as the thrust element 21. Additionally, the thrust element 21 has a rectangular shape in cross-section perpendicular to the direction of the rotational axis of the thrust element 21, and the developer discharge it is accelerated by the rotation of the thrust element 21 as described in mode 1 (Figure 19).
[00231] Here, the thrust element 21 contacts a surface which is equal to the surface where the openings 35a of the developer accommodation element 34 are provided. Incidentally, the developer accommodation element 34 is constituted by a plurality of surfaces including the surface where the openings 35a of the developer accommodation element 34 are provided and another surface connected to the surface through a curved portion 34d.
[00232] By employing the constitution as described above, in addition to the effect in mode 1, the following effects are achieved. (Effect of vacuum molding)
[00233] By forming a part of the developer accommodation element 34 by vacuum molding, the following effects are obtained.
[00234] As a first effect, the developer accommodation element 34 can be shaped in order to follow the interior (shape) of the frame. For this reason, in the form of a pouch as described in mode 1, it is difficult to insert the pouch up to the corner parts of the frame, so that a gap (space) is formed between the developer accommodating element 34 and the first frame 17 , and space is not an effective developer accommodation space.
[00235] As a second effect, the developer housing element 34 can be shaped so that it follows (the shape of) the frame and therefore can be easily fitted with the frame. This is because it is not necessary to push the developer accommodation element into the frame during assembly so that its shape follows the shape of the frame.
[00236] As a third effect, the developer accommodating element 34 is not readily moved towards the developer supply cylinder 23 and the developer cylinder 13. This is due to the fact that the developer accommodating element 34 is supported by the frame as a whole, since the shape of the developer accommodation element 34 itself is maintained as described above by vacuum molding and has the shape that follows (the shape of) the frame. For this reason, the second securing part for preventing movement of the developer pouch towards the developer supply cylinder 23 and the developer cylinder 13 as described in embodiment 1 can be omitted.
[00237] Additionally, as shown in Figure 19, an effect of pushing the surface 34f, which is equal to the surface where the openings 35a are provided, is as shown below. The developer accommodation element 34 is constituted by the plurality of surfaces by means of vacuum molding. Therefore, the curved part 34d is present between the plurality of surfaces. The surface of the developer accommodation element 34 is defined as a portion surrounded by curved portions. Here, a difference in effect will be described between the case where the surface 34f that includes the openings 35a is pushed and the case where a surface 34e that does not include the openings 35a is pushed. The surface 34e is a surface that is disposed between the curved portion 34d and the surface 34f that includes the opening 35a. A force received by the surface 34e driven by the thrust element 21 is transmitted through the curved part 34d. The force is largely attenuated before it reaches the surface including openings 35a. For this reason, a force to move the openings 35a also becomes small compared to the case where the surface 34f which includes the openings 35a is driven directly. For this reason, the function (action) of unloading the developer by means of the movement of the openings 35a becomes small. Therefore, when the thrust element 21 drives the surface 34f which includes the openings 35a, the thrust element 21 can effectively improve the discharge property of the internal developer and can prevent developer stagnation. In this way, by rotating the thrust element 21 whose function is performed by the seal-disrupting element 20, the developer accommodating element 34 is urged so that it is pressed against the second frame 18, so that the element of developer accommodation 34 is deformed to change the position of the openings 35, and the internal developer is discharged. Additionally, there are the plurality of openings 35a and therefore the developer is readily unloaded more than is the case for a single opening. Additionally, the openings 35a are arranged downwards with respect to the gravity direction in attitude during imaging and therefore the developer is easily discharged. <Mode 3> (Example in which the seal breaking element, the thrust element and the stirring element are separate elements)
[00238] With the use of Figures 35 and 36, an example is shown in the case where a thrust element 21, a seal breaking element 20 and a stirring element 41 are separate elements, respectively. Figure 35 is a schematic sectional view before the seal breach, and Figure 36 is a schematic sectional view after the seal break. Here, each of the thrust element 21, the seal-breaking element 20 and the stirring element 41 is rotatably supported by the first frame 17, and is rotated upon receiving drive (drive force) from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus B. In a seal-breaking step, the seal-break element 20 is rotated in one direction of the arrow C, so that the seal element 19 is rolled up to expose the apertures 35a. Additionally, upon rotation of the pusher element 21, the pusher element 21 pushes the developer accommodation element 34 to deform the developer accommodation element 34 so that toner discharges from the interior of the developer accommodation element. revealing 34 is boosted. Additionally, upon rotation of the agitation element 41, the toner discharged from the developer accommodation element 34 can be agitated. In this way, the thrust element 21, the sealing breaking element 20 and the stirring element 41 are the separate elements, and therefore, as desired, it is possible to adjust a rotational direction, a rotation speed, a rotation time. , and the like, of each of the elements. <Mode 4> (Example in which the seal breaking operation is the operation in addition to rotation)
[00239] Using Figure 37 and Figure 38, an example is shown in the case where the seal breaking element 20 is not rotated but is moved in a separate direction from the fastening part 18a to thus expose the openings 35th Here, the seal-breaking element 20 is slidably supported at its end portions by the first frame 17. Additionally, the seal-breaking element 20 is capable of being moved by an operation of the main assembly of the imaging apparatus. B or by a user operation. Here, the seal breaking element 20 moves in a direction of arrow C2. With this movement of the seal disruption member 20, the seal member 19 is pulled in the direction of arrow D to disengage the welded portions 22a and 22b to expose the openings 35a. Incidentally, the sliding direction C2 is not limited to a straight line, but can also be another shape, such as an arcuate shape, if the seal-breaking element 20 is movable in the direction away from the fastening part 19a.
[00240] Additionally, the seal breaking element 20 can also function as the thrust element 21 during discharging or as the toner stirring element after discharging, being repeatedly alternated also after the seal rupture (Figure 45).
[00241] In this way, the operation of the sealing breaking element 20 can be constituted, in addition to rotation, in order to make the sealing element 19 mobile and therefore, as desired, a constitution in which the sealing element Seal breakage 20 is operated can be properly selected. <Mode 5> (Example in which the opening is formed by cutting in half)
[00242] As shown in Figure 39, an example will be described in which the opening 35a is formed by partial cutting in half. Figure 39 includes illustrations showing, in cross-section, a step of forming opening 35a. A state in which opening 35a is processed in the order of (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 39. Additionally, a view seen from above in Figure 45 is Figure 40.
[00243] Firstly, the developer pouch 16, which is the flexible container, and the push element 21 are connected to each other in order to have the property easy to break the seal, as described above, so that a structure layer is formed ((a) of Figure 39).
[00244] Next, the developer bag layer 16 is cut into a hole shape that provides the opening 35a by a template, such as a cutter ((b) of Figure 39, (a) of Figure 40). Hereby, the structure constituted by the two layers of the developer pouch 16 and the sealing element 19 has been in a state in which the layer of the developer pouch 16 is cut (cut in half).
[00245] Next, a state during seal disruption is shown using (d), (e) and (f) of Figure 39 and Figure 40. Of the two layers of the developer bag cut in half 16 and of the sealing element 19, sealing element 19 is pulled in a direction of arrow D by sealing rupture element 20 ((d) of Figure 39). With the pulling of the seal breaking element 20 in the direction of arrow D, the opening 35a begins to expose ((e) of Figure 39, (b) of Figure 40). At this time, a portion 16w in the cut-off portion of the developer pouch 16 is separated from the developer pouch 16 together with the sealing element 19. Then, the sealing element 19 is further moved to be separated from the developer pouch 16 , so that opening 35a is exposed. With the use of such a cut in half to provide the opening 35a, there is no need to dispose, as waste, of an end piece of the opening part 35a in a manufacturing step. Additionally, it becomes possible to omit the control such that the opening end piece 35a is prevented from being included in the process cartridge A during manufacturing. <Modality 6>
[00246] Next, using Figure 19, Figure 41, Figure 42, Figure 43 and Figure 44, a constitution and action for activating a developer circulation function (action) in the developer bag 16 will be described. Figure 41 is a sectional view perpendicular to a central geometric axis of rotation of the thrust element 21 of the developing device 38.
[00247] As described in modality 1, the fact that the circulation of developer in the developer bag 16 is generated by the deformation of the developer bag 16 has been described above. Here, in the case where the molded product 34 described in embodiment 2 is used, the shape of the developer pouch 16 is able to adopt a shape similar to that of the frame 17, so that, as shown in Figure 19, a region where the pouch of developer 16 and frame 17 hermetically contact each other is increased. By means of this increase, there is the case where a deformable region of the developer pouch 16 by the push element 21 is limited and as a result, also the circulation of developer in the developer pouch 16 is limited. Consequently, in the case where the developer circulation function in the developer pocket 16 is additionally required, as shown in Figure 41, a gap α is provided between a side (surface) 34e, continued with a side (surface) 34f which includes the openings of the developer pouch 16 through a curved part 34d, and the frame 17. This gap α can be adjusted depending on an amount by which the developer pouch 16 is enlarged. Here, when the span α described above is set to a value not less than an amplitude of the developer bag 16 by the impulse element 21, the developer circulation function described above is proportional to the amplitude of the developer bag 16 and therefore , the developer circulation function is performed to the full. However, in this case, corresponding to a volume generated by span α, an amount of developer accommodation is limited. Then, in the case where the span α described above is adjusted so that it is smaller than the amplitude of the developer pocket 16, the developer circulation function becomes limited. In this case, compared to the case where the span α is provided which is not smaller than the amplitude of the developer pocket 16 described above, it becomes possible to direct the amount of developer accommodation in an increasing direction corresponding to a decrease in the α span. Consequently, the span value α described above can be suitably adjusted depending on a required developer circulation function in the developer pocket 16 and an amount of the developer accommodated. Additionally, as shown in Figure 41, a constitution in which the span α described above is made small towards between the side (surface) 34f that includes the openings and a side (surface) 34h opposite the side that includes the openings can also be employed. That is, the span α is constituted so that it becomes larger as the span α approaches the side 34f that includes the openings. Such a constitution can be made of a constitution capable of achieving a balance between the circulation of developer in the developer pocket 16 and the amount of developer accommodation, rather than a constitution in which the gap α is provided throughout the side region 34e I continue with the side 34f which includes the openings through the curved part 34d. Incidentally, the curved part 34d can be suitably selected from those that include one consisting of chamfering ((b) of Figure 46), one consisting of a plurality of sides (surfaces) ((d) of Figure 46) and those having curvature that is in the range from a value close to 0 ((a) of Figure 46) to a large value ((c) of Figure 46).
[00248] As described above, the constitution of the span α in the cross section perpendicular to the central geometric axis of rotation of the thrust element 21 has been described, but then, with the use of Figure 42, Figure 43 and Figure 44, it will be described a constitution of a span β in cross section with respect to a direction parallel to the central geometric axis of rotation of the thrust element 21. Figure 42 is a perspective view of a developer accommodating container 30. Figure 43 is a section The cross-sectional view VV shown in Figure 41. Figure 44 is a perspective view taken by cutting only the frame 17 shown in Figure 41 along line VV.
[00249] As shown in Figure 42, the side 34e continues with the side 34f which includes the openings through the curved part 34d and the sides (surfaces) 34g are 3 sides provided on both sides in relation to the direction of the central axis of rotation of the thrust element 21 and on a surface opposite the air permeable part 34b.
[00250] Here, as shown in Figure 43, a span is provided between one side 34g with respect to a longitudinal direction of the central geometric axis of rotation of the thrust element 21 and the frame 17 and between another side 34g with respect to the longitudinal direction of the central axis of rotation of the thrust element 21 and the frame 17. One manner of span adjustment is similar to that in the above-described cross section perpendicular to the central geometric axis of rotation of the thrust element.
[00251] Additionally, the developer circulation function is similar to the function (action) described in mode 1. [Industrial Applicability]
[00252] As previously described, a developer accommodating container, a developer accommodating unit, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus are provided that are capable of additionally activating the circulation of the developer in the pocket of revealing 16.

权利要求:
Claims (21)
[0001]
1. Developer accommodating unit (25) for accommodating a developer, said developer accommodating unit (25) comprising: a flexible container (16) provided with an opening (35a) to allow discharge of the developer accommodated therein, a sealing element (19) for sealing the opening (35a) and for exposing the opening (35a) when being rolled up, a sealing removal element (20) mounted on said sealing element (19) for removing the seal of said sealing element (19) by winding said sealing element (19), and a frame (17,18) for accommodating said sealing withdrawal element (20) therein, wherein said frame (17, 18) includes a fastening part (18a, 18c) for securing said flexible container (16), and the unit being characterized in that the sealing withdrawal element (20) is configured to be contactable with the developer unloaded from the flexible container (16).
[0002]
2. Developer accommodating unit (25) for accommodating a developer, said developer accommodating unit (25) comprising: a flexible container (16) provided with an opening (35a) to allow discharge of the developer accommodated therein, a sealing element (19) for sealing the opening (35a) so as to cover the opening (35a) and for exposing the opening (35a) when being moved, a sealing removal element (20) mounted on said element (19) to move said sealing element (19), and a frame (17,18) to accommodate said sealing removal element (20) therein, wherein said frame (17,18) includes a securing portion (18a, 18c) for securing said flexible container (16), and the unit being characterized in that a sealing withdrawal member (20) is configured to be contactable with the developer unloaded from the flexible container. (16).
[0003]
3. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible container (16) is a bag.
[0004]
4. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible container (16) is constituted by a sheet (16s, 16u).
[0005]
5. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to claim 4, characterized in that said sheet is between 0.03 mm and 0.15 mm thick.
[0006]
6. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible container (16) includes a part that has permeability to air.
[0007]
7. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible container (16) comprises any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
[0008]
8. Developer accommodation unit (25) according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of said sealing element (19) is connected to a periphery of the opening (35a) in a connecting part (22) , and wherein, when the connecting part (22) starts to be released, a narrow angle (Q) of said sealing element (19) between a side where said sealing element (19) is connected to the connecting part (22) and one side along a direction of movement (D) is 90 degrees or less.
[0009]
9. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible container (16) is provided with a part to be fixed to be fixed to a fixing part (18a, 18c) of a frame (17,18).
[0010]
10. Developer accommodation unit (25) according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible container (16) includes a part to be fixed, and wherein said part to be fixed must be fixed to a frame (17,18) through a connecting element to be fixed to said fixation part (18a, 18c) of said frame (17,18).
[0011]
11. Developer accommodation unit (25) according to claim 1, characterized in that said fastening part (18a, 18c) is provided along a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement (D) of the said sealing element (19).
[0012]
12. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to claim 1, characterized in that said sealing element (19) is detached from one side close to said fixing part (18a, 18c).
[0013]
13. Developer accommodation unit (25), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, when a level plane that (i) passes through said sealing removal element (20), of the opening (35a) and said fastening part (18a, 18c), and (ii) is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of said sealing withdrawal element (20) which is seen: from the connecting parts (22a, 22b) that oppose each other through the opening (35a), in the case where said connecting parts (22a, 22b) are seen along the surface of said sealing element (19), a connecting part (22a) on a near side to the back-folded part is a first connecting part, where, of the first connecting part, a point on an end part on a side close to the opening (35a) is a first point, where a distance measured from the said fastening part (18a, 18c) to the first point along said flexible container (16) with respect to a direction not including the opening. opening (35a) is M1 where a distance measured from said fastening part (18a, 18c) to the first point along said flexible container (16) with respect to a direction including the opening (35a) is M2 , and where M1 < M2 is satisfied.
[0014]
14. Developer accommodating unit (25) for accommodating a developer for imaging, said developer accommodating unit (25) comprising: a developer accommodating container including a flexible container (16) having an opening ( 35a) to allow discharge of the accommodated developer and which includes a sealing element (19) to seal the opening (35a) by being connected to said flexible container (16) at a connecting part (22) and to expose the opening ( 35a) on being moved, a frame (17,18) for accommodating said developer housing container and said sealing member (19); and including a fastening portion (18a, 18c) for securing said flexible container (16), a sealing removal element (20), rotatably provided on said frame (17, 18), for removing the seal. of the opening (35a) by disengaging said sealing element (19) from said developer housing container by winding said sealing element (19) around an axis of rotation, wherein said withdrawal element The sealing element (20) includes, in the case where said sealing removal element (20) is seen along a surface of said sealing element (19), a back-folded part between said connecting part (22) and a part where said sealing removal element (20) is mounted, wherein said frame (17,18) is provided with a fastening part (18a, 18c) for suppressing movement of said flexible container (16) when said sealing removal element (20) is moved, the unit being characterized by the fact that when a pl a leveled year that (i) passes through said sealing removal element (20), opening (35a) and said fastening part (18a, 18c), and (ii) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said sealing element. sealing withdrawal (20) is seen: of the connecting parts (22a, 22b) opposing each other through the opening (35a), in the case where said connecting parts (22a, 22b) are seen along the surface of the said sealing element (19), a connecting part (22a) on one side close to a back-folded part is a first connecting part, wherein, of said first connecting part, a point at an end part at a side close to the opening (35a) is a first point, wherein a distance measured from said fastening part (18a, 18c) to the first point along said flexible container (16) with respect to a direction that does not include the opening (35a) is M1, where a distance measured from said fastening part (18a, 18c) to the first point along said container f lexible (16) with respect to a direction including aperture (35a) is M2, and where M1 < M2 is satisfied.
[0015]
15. Developer accommodation unit (25) according to claim 14, characterized in that the connecting part (22b) opposite the first connecting part through the opening (35a) is a second connecting part, wherein , of said first connecting part, a point at an end portion on a side remote from the opening (35a) is a second point, wherein, of said second connecting portion, a point at an end portion on a distal side of the opening (35a) is a third point, in which, when the connection on the first connection part is removed by said sealing removal element (20), a part where said sealing removal element (20) applies a force to said sealing element (19) is a force application point part, where a distance between the second point and the third point is L1, where a distance between the second point and the force application point part is L2, and where L1 < L2 is satisfied.
[0016]
16. Developer accommodation unit (25) according to claim 14, characterized in that said flexible container (16) is fixed to said frame (17,18) so that a position of said flexible container developer is changed between a time before the seal removal element (20) moves said seal member (19) to perform a seal removal operation and a time when the seal removal operation is initiated to break the seal of the link in the first link part.
[0017]
17. Developer accommodation unit (25) according to claim 14, further comprising a developer transport element for transporting the developer for developing a latent image.
[0018]
18. Developer accommodating container for accommodating a developer, said developer accommodating container comprising: a flexible container (16) having an opening (35a) to allow discharge of the developer, and a sealing member capable of sealing the opening (35a) by being connected to said flexible container (16) at connecting parts (22a, 22b) and capable of exposing the opening (35a) when being moved, wherein said sealing element (19) is provided, in an end side, with a part to be engaged to be engaged with a sealing removal element (20) to remove the seal from said sealing element (19) by moving said sealing element (19) in that said flexible container (16) is provided with a to-be-securable part to be secured to a frame (17,18) to accommodate said developer accommodating container to suppress movement of said flexible container (16) at a time of an operation of removing the sealing of said retentive element. sealing shaft (20), and the container being characterized by the fact that when a level plane that (i) passes through said part to be engaged, the opening (35a) is said part to be attached, and (ii) is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of said sealing withdrawal element (20) is seen: of the connecting parts (22a, 22b) opposing each other through the opening (35a), in the case where the connecting parts (22a) 22b) are seen along a surface of said sealing element (19), a connecting part (22a) on a side close to the part to be engaged is a first connecting part, wherein, of the first connecting part , a point at an end part on a side close to the opening (35a) is a first point, in which a distance measured from said fastening part (18a, 18c) to the first point along the developer accommodating container with respect to a direction not including the aperture (35a) is M1, where a sum of a distance measured from the clamping part. There is no (18a, 18c) to the first point along the developer accommodating container with respect to a direction that includes the opening (35a), and the opening (35a) is M2, and where M1 < M2 is satisfied.
[0019]
19. Process cartridge (A) detachably mountable in an imaging apparatus main assembly (B), characterized in that it is a process cartridge (A) in which a developer accommodation unit (25), as per defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, and an electrophotographic photosensitive element are integral with each other, or be a process cartridge (A) in which a developer accommodation unit (25) as defined in claim 14, and the electrophotographic photosensitive element are formed integral with each other.
[0020]
20. Imaging apparatus (B), characterized in that it comprises: a developer accommodation unit (25) as defined in claim 1.
[0021]
21. Imaging apparatus (B), characterized in that it comprises a process cartridge (A) as defined in claim 19.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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JP5420026B2|2014-02-19|

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US9599930B2|2017-03-21|

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TW201303530A|2013-01-16|

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WO2013012086A1|2013-01-24|

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CN103649847B|2017-03-08|

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RU2014105454A|2015-08-20|

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JP2013037347A|2013-02-21|

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US20140079432A1|2014-03-20|

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TWI554850B|2016-10-21|

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CN103649847A|2014-03-19|

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EP2733548A4|2015-04-01|

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KR101672683B1|2016-11-03|

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BR112013030916A2|2017-03-21|

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TW201510681A|2015-03-16|

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US20180136588A1|2018-05-17|

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KR20160062219A|2016-06-01|

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RU2579637C2|2016-04-10|

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KR20140041826A|2014-04-04|

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MY173278A|2020-01-10|

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US20160170330A1|2016-06-16|

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KR101672604B1|2016-11-03|

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法律状态:
2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-10-29| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-01-26| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-06-15| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-08-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 13/07/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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JP2011-155834|2011-07-14|

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JP2011155834|2011-07-14|

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JP2012142183A|JP5420026B2|2011-07-14|2012-06-25|Developer storage container, developer storage unit, process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus|

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JP2012-142183|2012-06-25|

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PCT/JP2012/068529|WO2013012086A1|2011-07-14|2012-07-13|Developer storage container, developer storage unit, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image formation device|

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