Patent Publication Number: US-6340036-B1

Title: Powdery-particles supplying method and apparatus, and control method for flowing solid-state substances

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a particles-supplying method and apparatus as well as a control method for flowing solid-state substances to supply particles into a container, and, more specifically, relates to a particles-supplying apparatus, in which particles such as toner particles for developing electro-photographic images, developing agents for photo-sensitive materials, cosmetic powder, pharmaceutical powder, powdery food, powdery mineral, etc., are conveyed from a supplying source and filling a container set in the apparatus. In addition, the shape and diameter of each powdery particle are required to be uniform in the abovementioned particles. 
     In the conventional particles-supplying apparatus for supplying particles, such as toner particles for developing electro-photographic images, etc., into a container, particles are invariably scattered by freely falling from the outlet opening, since the mass density of particles existing around the outlet opening decreases due to an air inflow from outside. 
     The scattered particles would contaminate the periphery of the apparatus and the container, resulting in the deterioration of the working environment where the filling work of particles is performed. Specifically, when particles, which possibly affect human health and environment, such as chemical powder, etc., are handled, harmful influences of scattered particles would become a big problem. Further, when flammable particles are handled, there is a dangerous possibility that floating particles scattered in the air could cause an explosion of the particles. 
     To prevent particles from dropping and scattering at the outlet opening due to air inflow from outside and/or vibration, it is well known to provide a capping cover at the outlet opening in the apparatus, in order to cover the outlet opening. In addition, it is also well known to provide a movable sliding cover at the outlet opening in the apparatus, so as to supply particles into the container by opening the movable sliding cover when the apparatus detects a setting status of the container in the apparatus, and to close the outlet opening by moving the movable sliding cover to the initial position after a predetermined amount of particles is filled in the container. 
     It is inevitable, however, that some particles would remain, adhering onto the capping cover or onto the movable sliding cover. Whenever the sliding cover moves, the adhered particles form into small lumps of particles. It has been a problem when such lumps of particles are mingled with the particles in the container, resulting in deterioration of the product quality. 
     Specifically for the toner particles for developing electro-photographic images, since high-precision uniformity is required in the dimension of each particle, such the mingled lumps of particles directly have a major adverse influence on the finished quality of electro-photographic images. 
     Therefore, it has been an urgent subject to develop a particles-supplying apparatus having a function, instead of using the capping cover or the movable sliding cover, for preventing particles dropping from the outlet opening and scattering around the outlet opening due to air inflow from the delivery opening, a decrease of mass density and/or vibration, etc. 
     Technologies rendering elimination of air existing between particles are already set forth in Tokkaisho 57-1001, JP-2748934 and Jikkousho 46-15837. 
     The objects of the abovementioned technologies, however, are to prevent the fine particles from scattering when filling the particles into a bag, to prevent residual air inflow into the container, generated simultaneously when filling it with particles, and to increase the mass density of particles in the container by deaerating the particles, namely, to reduce or eliminate the amount of air inflow with particles when filling particles into the container. In addition, the abovementioned technologies merely disclose a technique to eliminate a plugging state occurred at the aerating section by supplying the air into the supplying path. Therefore, the abovementioned technologies have disclosed neither such a method nor an apparatus, which prevents particles dropping from the outlet opening by stopping the air inflow from the outlet opening. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, to overcome the abovementioned problems, the first object of the present invention is to provide a particles-supplying apparatus having a function, instead of using the capping cover or the movable sliding cover, for preventing particles dropping from the outlet opening and scattering around the outlet opening due to air inflow from the delivery opening, decrease of mass density and/or vibrations, etc. 
     Further, the second object of the present invention is to provide a control method for supplying particles, in order to produce high quality products of particles, mingled with no lumps of particles, by excluding the capping cover or the movable sliding cover from the delivery opening. 
     Moreover, another object of the present invention is to provide a particles-supplying apparatus, in which a specified amount of particles can be supplied into the container. 
     Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide particles-supplying apparatus, in which the automatic measurement process of particles amount can be simplified. 
     To overcome the cited shortcomings, the abovementioned objects of the present invention can be attained by a particles-supplying apparatus described as follows. 
     (1) A particles-supplying apparatus, comprising: a particles-supplying path connected to a supplying section of particles at one end of it, and having a delivery opening for discharging the particles at the other end of it; and a passage controller for forming a cover consisting of at least a part of the particles by changing a density of at least a part of the particles existing in the particles-supplying path so as not to discharge the particles from the delivery opening. 
     Further, to overcome the cited shortcomings, the abovementioned objects of the present invention can be attained by control methods for supplying particles described as follow. 
     (2) A control method for discharging particles, comprising steps of: passing particles through a particles-supplying path connected to a supplying section of the particles at one end of it, and having a delivery opening for discharging the particles at the other end of it; and controlling to form a cover consisting of at least a part of the particles by changing a density of at least a part of the particles existing in the particles-supplying path so as not to discharge the particles from the delivery opening. 
     (3) A control method for flowing solid-state substances, comprising steps of: letting solid-state substances existing in a flowing fluid, so as to flow the solid-state substances with the flowing fluid in a flowing path; and allowing a flow of the solid-state substances to be restrained or to be free, by sucking the flowing fluid from the flowing path toward outside of the flowing path, or by gushing the flowing fluid into the flowing path from outside of the flowing path. 
     (4) A toner supplying apparatus, comprising: a supplying section of toner; a toner-supplying path connected to the supplying section of toner at one end of it, and having a delivery opening for discharging the toner at the other end of it; and a passage controller for forming a cover consisting of at least a part of the toner by changing a density of at least a part of the toner existing in the toner-supplying path so as not to discharge the toner from the delivery opening. 
     (5) A control method for discharging toner, comprising steps of: passing developer through a toner-supplying path connected to a supplying section of toner at one end of it, and having a delivery opening for discharging the toner at the other end of it; and controlling to form a cover consisting of at least a part of the toner by changing a density of at least a part of the toner existing in the toner-supplying path so as not to discharge the toner from the delivery opening. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and further upon reference to the drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 shows the total configuration of the toner supplying apparatus, as an example of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention; 
     FIGS.  2 ( a ) and  2 ( b ) show partial cross-sectional views of the toner supplying apparatus, as examples of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the toner supplying apparatus, illustrating the state of deaerating the toner particles existing at the delivery opening; 
     FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the state of delivery of toner particles from the delivery opening, embodied in the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the deaerated state of blocked particles existing at the delivery opening, embodied in the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the toner supplying apparatus, illustrating the state of the reversal cleaning, embodied in the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 shows a block-diagram of the control system of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention; and 
     FIG. 8 shows a timing chart, indicating the sequential process of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, a particles-supplying apparatus, embodied in the present invention, will be described in the following. 
     Incidentally, the term of “particles” defined in the present invention denotes a collection of super-fine particles, and also denotes a state of solid-state fine particles including gas-gaps or liquid-gaps formed between particles. In addition, in the state when solid-state fine particles touch each other, each particle exerts cohesive force onto adjacent particles. Examples of the “particles” include an electro-photographic developer such as, toner, one-component developer, two-component developer, etc., and also include rice grains, barley grains, powdery wheat, instant-coffee, pharmaceutical powder, cosmetic powder, etc., in addition to mineral powder, suspensions, colloidal solution, slurries, etc. 
     Further, the “particles” defined in the present invention denote a state of solid-state fine particles which maintain a cohesive state under the relative-action of van der Waals force, etc., when the particles are in touch with each other. The dimension of each particle included in the “particles” ranges from the dimension barely perceptible by the human eye to the dimension on the order of microns, for instance, ranging from the dimension of rice grains having a diameter of several millimeters to the dimension of electro-photographic developer particle having a diameter of 3˜20 μm, and further to the dimension of carbon black powder particles having a diameter of around 0.1 μm. 
     In addition, the gas deaerated and ventilated from/to the particles-supplying apparatus may be air, nitrogen gas or inert gas, etc., and the most suitable gas should be selected corresponding to the characteristic of the particles employed. 
     Further, the term of “density of particles”, defined in the present invention, is the mass of the particles per unit volume, including the volume of gas or liquid existing in gaps between particles, namely, it denotes mass density. The mass density varies depending on the packing state of the particles, and, in the present invention, the mass density is varied by changing the packing state from a maximum packing state to a state of releasing the cohesive force among particles. In addition, a mixture of different sorts of particles, such as, for instance, two components developer containing a carrier and a toner, instant coffee containing sugar, Japanese seasoning containing seven different spices (a ground mixture of red pepper and aromatic spices), etc., is applicably included in “the particles” defined in the present invention. 
     Further, the term of “particles-supplying path”, defined in the present invention, is a pathway through which the particles pass so as to supply the particles stored in the particles-supplying section to the container set in the apparatus, for instance, a pathway formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. One end of the “particles-supplying path” is connected to the particles-supplying section, such as a hopper, etc., and an outlet opening is formed at the other end of it, so that the particles are supplied to a container placed opposite the outlet opening, passing through the “particles-supplying path”. Further, the “particles-supplying path” is provided with a mechanism located at a specific position in the path to change and adjust the density of the particles passing through the path. In addition to the above mechanism, it is also applicable to provide a kind of screw member for facilitating the passing action of the particles in the path. 
     Incidentally, “to change and adjust the density of at least a part of the particles existing in the particles-supplying path”, described in the present invention, is to adjust the mass density of the particles existing at a specific position in the path, and to change and adjust the volume of gas or liquid residing in the gaps between adjacent particles. 
     Namely, the high-density state of particles, described in the present invention, is a condensed state of particles, in which the number of particles per unit volume is increased as a result of reducing the gaps among adjacent particles in the particles-supplying path, for instance, by performing deaerating, dehydrating or depressurizing action. 
     While the low-density state of particles, described in the present invention, is a dispersed state of particles, in which the number of particles per unit volume is decreased as a result of enlarged gaps between the particles in the particles-supplying path, for instance, by increasing the air pressure with the inflowing air into the particles-supplying path. 
     Further, “the passage controller”, described in the present invention, performs control actions to enable or disable supply of particles into the container from the particles-supplying path through the outlet opening of the apparatus. The abovementioned control actions, for enabling or disabling the supply, are achieved by changing the density of at least a part of the particles existing in the particles-supplying path. 
     The series of actions performed by the passage controller, associated with the density change of the particles, are controlled by a program including steps of, for instance, detecting the container setting on the apparatus by means of the sensor equipped in the apparatus, changing the density of the particles when a predetermined time passes after the sensor is activated by a timer and enabling or disabling supply of the particles into the container. 
     In the particles-supplying apparatus, embodied in the present invention, it is also applicable that a diameter of the delivery opening is different from that of the particles-supplying path. Specifically, it is desirable that the diameter of the delivery opening is smaller than that of the particles-supplying path, for instance, it is more desirable that the particles-supplying path is tapered in the vicinity of the delivery opening. 
     Further, “the particles-supplying section”, described in the present invention, should have functions of collecting the particles at a fixed storing position and supplying the particles into the particles-supplying path. Therefore, as an example, a device like a hopper would be suitable for the particles-supplying section. 
     Further, as for the “ventilator”, employed for deaerating and aerating air in the desirable embodiment of the present invention, it is acceptable that either the same ventilator or the separate ventilators is/are employed for deaerating and aerating operations. 
     Still further, in the present invention, the “cover”, formed by the particles, includes such a cover that delivers a part of the particles to outside, due to a deformation of it with time. 
     FIG. 1 shows the total configuration of the toner supplying apparatus, as an example of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the toner supplying apparatus, as an example of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, housing  11  containing a driving means is mounted on the top end of column stand  2  fixed on base  1  of the toner supplying apparatus. The driving means comprises driving motor  12 , electromagnetic brake  13 , electromagnetic clutch  14 , driving motor  15 , and the driving force transmitting means including pulleys P 1 , P 2 , P 3 , P 4 , and belts B 1 , B 2 , etc. 
     When activating a power source, driving motor  12  starts continuous rotation and drives electro-magnetic brake  13  through pulleys P 1 , P 2  and belt B 1 . Electro-magnetic brake  13  instantaneously stops the driving means by abruptly decreasing the rotating inertia when driving motor  12  is stopped. 
     Pulley P 3 , mounted on the same axis of pulley P 2 , transmits driving force to pulley P 4  through belt B 2 . Electro-magnetic clutch  14 , mounted on the same axis as pulley P 4 , drives auger  21  at appropriate times. 
     Bevel gear  16  attached to the driving axis of driving motor  15  gears with bevel gear  17  integrally formed on rotating axis  221  to rotate agitator  22 . Rotating axis  211  is rotatably supported in a hollow cylinder aligned along the central axis of rotating axis  221 . 
     Screw  212  and agitating member  213  are attached to the lower end portion of rotating axis  211  included in auger  21 , integrally rotating with rotating axis  211 . 
     Agitating member  222  is attached to the lower end portion of rotating axis  221  included in agitator  22 , integrally rotating with rotating axis  221 . Agitating member  222  and agitating member  213  agitate toner particles T by rotating in opposite directions each other, to prevent cohesion of toner particles and to keep the gap distances between toner particles uniform. 
     The lower sections of auger  21  and agitator  22  are enclosed in hopper  23 . The lower section of hopper  23 , shaped like a circular cone, is formed as a small opening of a supplying path, and is connected to particles-supplying path  27 . 
     The upper section of hopper  23  is formed as a large opening and is air-tightly closed by upper cover  24 . Toner replenishing opening  25  and sensor  26  are equipped on upper cover  24 . Sensor  26  detects the upper level of toner particles T contained in hopper  23 . 
     The tip of arm member  3  attached to column stand  2  supports supplying pipe  28  comprised in particles-supplying path  27 . The inlet opening at the upper portion of particles-supplying path  27  is connected to hopper  23 . 
     Toner particles T contained in hopper  23  are conveyed by screw  212  and are delivered through delivery opening  29 . 
     A plurality of ventilation ducts  32 D are connected to the pipeline which goes to through T-shaped branch  34  and electromagnetic valve  35 . The other pipeline diverging from T-shaped branch  34  is connected to depressurizing pump  38  through electro-magnetic valve  37 . 
     When compressor  36  is driven, compressor  36  sends a pressurized airflow to ventilation ducts  32 D by closing electromagnetic valve  37  and by opening electromagnetic valve  35 , in order to allow supplying path  30 , which incorporates the ventilator embodied in the present invention, to be in a pressurized state (air supply state). When depressurizing pump  38  is driven, depressurizing pump  38  deaerates ventilation ducts  32 D by closing electro-magnetic valve  35  and by opening electromagnetic valve  37 , allowing supplying path  30  to be a depressurized state (deaerated state). 
     Container setting means  50  is arranged right under delivery opening  29 . Container setting means  50  comprises container-holding means  52  to hold container  51 , container-elevating means  53  to raise and drop the opening of container  51  close to and apart from delivery opening  29  embodied in the present invention, container-placing table  54  to maintain container-holding means  52  being capable of rising and falling, sensor  55  to detect the existence of container  51  and the filling amount of toner in container  51 , etc. Incidentally, a timer controlling method is also applicable for detecting the finish of filling in the container. 
     Container  51 , which contains toner particles T delivered from delivery opening  29  of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention, includes not only rigid containers made of materials such as a plastic, a glass, a ceramic, etc., which are not deformed easily by the external force, but also flexible containers made of materials such as a paper, a film, etc., which are easily deformed by the external force. 
     In the present invention, supplying pipe  28  is embedded into the double structures comprising casing member  31  and airtight cylinder  32  arranged near delivery opening  29  located within casing member  31 . 
     The upper opening of the hollow section formed in airtight cylinder  32  is led through delivery opening  29  located at the lower side of supplying pipe  28 , while the lower opening is located opposite inlet opening  51 A of container  51 . 
     VENTILATOR  33 , being a hollow cylindrical shape, is inserted into the inner wall of the hollow section formed in airtight cylinder  32  and is fixed to the inner wall. Ventilator  33  divides the hollow section into inner hollow room  32 B and outer hollow room  32 C. 
     Inner hollow room  32 B is connected to delivery opening  29 , while outer hollow room  32 C is connected to the pipeline through ventilation ducts  32 D. Incidentally, the sidewall of ventilator  33  is formed as a conical shape in which an aperture of the lower end opening is squeezed smaller than that of the upper opening. For instance, the dimension of ventilator  33  is a conical shape, in which the inner diameter of the upper end opening is 50 mm, the inner diameter of the lower end opening is 38 mm and a height is 5 mm. 
     As mentioned above, since the diameter of the delivery opening is smaller than the diameter at any portion of the supplying path, the cover of the particles can be easily formed in the vicinity of the delivery opening. 
     Air intake  311 , formed between the bottom of casing member  31  and the periphery of the bottom of ventilator  33 , is connected to the inner room of casing member  31 . When the depressurizing pump (not shown in the drawings) is driven, the inner room of casing member  31  is depressurized by sucking the air through ventilation duct  312 , and then, toner particles floating around the lower side of airtight cylinder  32  are absorbed through air intake  311 . 
     In the particles-supplying apparatus, embodied in the present invention, particles are supplied to container  51 , in a manner such that the density of at least a part of the particles, existing in the particles-supplying path, is changed and adjusted by deaerating gas existing in gaps between particles or by aerating gas to the deaerated portion of the particles. The deaerating and aerating actions are achieved through ventilator  33  as shown in FIG.  2 ( b ), and, thereby, when the deaerating action, particles are interrupted only to deaerate gas from the particles. 
     FIG. 3 shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the toner supplying apparatus, illustrating a state of deaerating the toner particles existing at the delivery opening. 
     When a deaerating action, by means of depressurizing pump  38 , reduces the air pressure in outer hollow room  32 C up to a negative pressure, only the air existing between toner particles passes through ventilator  33  to increase the density of toner particles and to shorten the distances between toner particles. As a result, a collection of toner particles, in a state of a high mass density, blocks delivery opening  29  to prevent the air inflow from opening section  33 A. Therefore, the natural falling of toner particles T from delivery opening  29  is successfully prevented. 
     While the abovementioned deaerating action is performed, the replenishment of toner particles and the rotational driving action for auger  21  are disabled. 
     Although various kinds of materials having a ventilating property are applicable for the materials of ventilator  33 , it is a desirable embodiment in the present invention to employ a sintered metal, a stainless mesh plate, a non-textured fiber filter, etc. through which particles can not penetrate, but only the air existing between the particles can pass. 
     In the following, desirable examples of ventilator  33 , embodied in the present invention, will be briefly described, in regard to ( a ) a sintered metal, ( b ) a stainless metal and ( c ) a non-textured fiber filter. 
     ( a ) The following is the consideration result of the nominal filtering accuracy for a sintered metal, namely, the pore diameter of the sintered metal (being the diameter of each mesh hole in the sintered metal). 
     As for toner particles T having an average volume diameter of 10 μm for each particle and accumulated at delivery opening  29 , ventilator  33  made of the sintered metal having the nominal filtering accuracy of 10-150 μm is desirable, while 70-150 μm is more desirable, and 100-140 μm is the most suitable. 
     Namely, when the nominal filtering accuracy is less than 10 μm, the efficiency of deaeration decreases considerably, since mesh holes are blocked by the toner particles and air ventilation through the mesh holes is impeded, due to the excessively fine openings of the sintered metal. Accordingly, it becomes impossible to form a collection of the toner particles having a high mass density in ventilator  33  located at the lower side of delivery opening  29 . Even if a collection of the toner particles is formed, it would fall down from delivery opening  29  of ventilator  33 , due to insufficient mass density of the collection. 
     On the other hand, when the nominal filtering accuracy is greater than 150 μm, the toner particles would pass through the mesh holes along with the deaerating air, due to the excessively coarse mesh of the sintered metal. As a result, it becomes difficult to form a cover of toner particles, since toner particles hardly cohere each other in inner hollow room  32 B. Even if a collection of the toner particles is formed, it would drop from delivery opening  29 , due to insufficient mass density of the collection. 
     Although the abovementioned ventilator  33  is formed of a sintered metal, it is also applicable to employ materials formed by sintering synthetic organic resin particles such as ABS resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. or inorganic particles such as glass, etc. 
     ( b ) When a plane-weaved stainless wire mesh is employed for ventilator  33  located at the lower side of delivery opening  29 , it is desirable that the relationship between an eye opening Y of the mesh (being the aperture of the wire mesh) and the average volume diameter X of each toner particle should be X≦Y≦30X, and more desirable that the relationship would be X≦Y≦10X. 
     Concretely speaking, when toner particles T having an average volume diameter X=10 μm are employed, ventilator  33  having eye opening Y=10-300 μm is acceptable, while 20-100 μm is desirable, and 40-90 μm is more desirable, and 77 μm is the most suitable, for collecting toner particle T. 
     When eye opening Y is smaller than the average volume diameter X, the efficiency of deaeration decreases considerably, since air ventilation through the mesh holes is impeded, due to the excessively fine mesh of the plane-weaved stainless wire. Accordingly, the collection of the toner particles would drop from delivery opening  29 , since the packing force in the cover of toner particles, formed in delivery opening  29 , is insufficient, due to weak cohesive force between particles in the collection of toner particles formed in inner hollow room  32 B. 
     On the other hand, when eye opening Y exceeds 30X, the toner particles would pass through the mesh holes with the deaerating air, due to such an excessively coarse mesh of the plane-weaved stainless wire. As a result, it becomes difficult to form a collection of toner particles having a high mass density in inner hollow room  32 B. Even if a collection of the toner particles is formed, it would drop from delivery opening  29 , due to insufficient packing density of the collection. 
     Although the abovementioned ventilator  33  is formed of stainless steel wire mesh, it is also applicable to employ a mesh weaved by other metal wires being lightweight and durable for heat, pressure and corrosion or by non-ferrous metal wires such as Kevler fibers, etc. 
     (c) When a non-textured fiber filter is employed for ventilator  33 , as for toner particles T being less than 5 μm in diameter, a non-textured fiber filter having a collection efficiency of 85-99.5% is desirable, while 95-99% is more desirable, and specifically, the non-textured fiber filter having the collection efficiency of 98.5% used for the dustproof mask (manufactured by 3M Co. of U.S.A.) is the most suitable. 
     When a non-textured fiber filter having a collection efficiency exceeding 99.5% is employed for ventilator  33 , the efficiency of deaeration decreases considerably, since fiber meshes are blocked by the toner particles and air ventilation through the fiber mesh is impeded. Accordingly, it becomes impossible to form a collection of the toner particles having a high mass density in inner hollow room  32 B. Even if a collection of the toner particles is formed, it would drop from delivery opening  29 , due to insufficient mass density of the collection. 
     On the other hand, when a non-textured fiber filter having the collection efficiency being less than 85% is employed for ventilator  33 , the toner particles would pass through the fiber mesh with the deaerating air. As a result, it becomes difficult to form a collection of the toner particles having a high mass density. Even if a collection of the toner particles were formed, it would drop from delivery opening  29 , due to insufficient mass density of the collection. 
     Although the abovementioned ventilator  33  is formed of a non-textured fiber filter, it is also applicable to employ a spongy member, organic or inorganic cellular member having a scavenging property such as pulp materials used for the filtering paper, or metallic material such as a steel wool, etc. 
     FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of delivering toner particles T from delivery opening  29 , embodied in the present invention. 
     When compressor  36  is driven, compressor  36  sends pressurized airflow G 1  to outer hollow room  32 C through ventilation ducts  32 D by closing electromagnetic valve  37  and by opening electromagnetic valve  35 . Pressurized airflow G 1  inflows into inner hollow room  32 B after passing through ventilator  33  and blows into the gaps between condensed toner particles T to decrease the density of toner particles and to widen the distances between toner particles. As a result, toner particles T are scattered and movable relative to each other. 
     Then, toner particles T, relieved from the state of high mass density and being in an easily movable state, outflow from opening section  33 A of ventilator  33  and are delivered into container  51  to be stored. 
     FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the deaerated state of blocking toner particles T coming from delivery opening  29 , embodied in the present invention. 
     When depressurizing pump  38  is driven, depressurizing pump  38  absorbs depressurized airflow G 2  from outer hollow room  32 C through ventilation ducts  32 D by closing electro-magnetic valve  35  and by opening electro-magnetic valve  37 . Depressurized airflow G 2  increases the mass density of toner particles T by absorbing the air existing among toner particles T, to form a collection of toner particles T of high mass density in ventilator  33 , which tightly seals the aperture of delivery opening  29 . Accordingly, the collection of toner particles T of high mass density seals the end portion of delivery opening  29  as if closed with a cover. 
     The absorbing pressure (the deaerating pressure) is set at 100 mmAq, when the sintered metal or the plain-weaved stainless mesh plate is employed for ventilator  33 , while is set at 10 mmAq, when a textured fiber filter is employed. Incidentally, the starting time of the deaerating action substantially coincides with the time when the filling action of toner particles T into container  51  is finished. 
     The abovementioned absorbing pressure is derived from measuring the differential pressure referred to as the atmospheric pressure by means of a differential manometer. The unit [mmAq] indicates the height of the differential manometer in an aqua. 
     When the collection of toner particles tightly seals the end portion of delivery opening  29 , container  51  filled with toner particles T is removed from container-holding means  52 , and then, is replaced by another such empty container  51 . 
     Although, according to the abovementioned process, delivery opening  29  is tightly sealed by the collection of toner particles formed by the deaerating action, it is necessary to clean ventilator  33  at appropriate times. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning of ventilator  33  is achieved by momentarily blowing compressed air, having a higher pressure than pressurized airflow G 1 , against ventilator  33  to loosen and scatter toner particles caught in its mesh holes (hereinafter, this process is referred to as reversal cleaning). 
     FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of particles-supplying apparatus, illustrating the state of reversal cleaning, namely, forced air supply into deaerated particles. 
     The reversal cleaning is performed just before the time or at the same time when the filling action of toner particles T into container  51  is started. When compressor  36  is driven, compressor  36  momentarily sends high-pressure air G 3  to outer hollow room  32 C through ventilation ducts  32 D included in supplying path  30  by closing electromagnetic valve  37  and by opening electromagnetic valve  35 . 
     The pressure pulse of 1-1.5 kg/cm 2  for the reversal cleaning is momentarily applied to ventilator  33 . Duration of the reversal cleaning is set at such a short time as being less than 1 second by means of timer  39 . The reversal cleaning is performed within the limit of the mechanical strength of ventilator  33 , in order to prevent damage of it. 
     FIG. 7 shows a block-diagram of the control system of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention. 
     Control means  60  controls the driving source comprised of driving motors  12 ,  15 , the drive controlling member comprised of electromagnetic brake  13  and electromagnetic clutch  14 , the aerating/deaerating means comprised of compressor  36 , depressurizing pump  38  and electromagnetic valves  35 ,  37 , the sliding means for sliding cover  41 , etc., based on the inputted data coming from the main-switch, sensor  26 , sensor  55  and timer  39 . 
     In addition, control means  60  controls the series of actions for increasing or decreasing the density of toner particles T residing in the end portion of particles-supplying path  27 , the process for setting container  51  on the apparatus, the fill amount of toner particles T in container  51  set on the apparatus and the timing of stopping toner particles supply in container  51  after positioning container  51  into the apparatus. 
     FIG. 8 shows a timing chart, indicating the process sequence of the particles-supplying apparatus embodied in the present invention. 
     (1) When depressurizing pump  38  is driven and electro-magnetic valve  37  is opened, the deaerating action of absorbing the air from ventilator  33  increases the density of toner particles T existing in the interior of ventilator  33 . As a result, the collection of toner particles T maintains the interior of ventilator  33  in a tightly closed state. 
     (2) After a predetermined time has passed, the lower portion of opening section  33 A of ventilator  33  is opened and maintained in the open state. 
     (3) Container-elevating means  53  is activated to elevate container  51 . 
     (4) When compressor  36  is driven and electromagnetic valve  35  is opened, the aerating action of supplying pressurized air G 1  to the interior of ventilator  33  decreases the density of toner particles T existing in the interior of ventilator  33 . As a result, the collection of toner particles T is relieved from the state of the high mass density, and scattered toner particles T outflow from opening section  33 A of ventilator  33  and are delivered into container  51  to be stored. 
     (5) Just before the time or at the same time when sensor  55  detects the finalization of the filling process of toner particles T into container  51 , or the predetermined time set by timer  39  has passed, the deaerating action by means of depressurizing pump  38  is performed. Then, a collection of toner particles T maintains the interior of ventilator  33  in tightly closed state and effectively closes delivery opening  29 . 
     Shutter means  40  may be arranged at lower side of the particles-supplying path  27  in the structure embodied in the present invention and is comprised of, for instance, shutter housing  41  and sliding shutter  42  as shown in FIG.  2 ( b ). Opening section  41 A formed in shutter housing  41  is located right under opening section  33 A of ventilator  33 , embodied in the present invention. Opening section  41 A allows the particles to pass through inlet opening  51 A of container  51 , which is capable of being elevated and lowered. 
     Sliding shutter  42 , moved by a driving mechanism (not shown in the drawings), opens and shuts opening section  41 A. 
     Casing section  41 B is formed at the periphery of opening section  41 A of shutter housing  41 . Ventilation duct  41 C, led through casing section  41 B, is connected to a depressurizing pump (not shown in the drawings). 
     When the depressurizing pump (not shown in the drawings) is driven, particles, such as toner particles, etc., floating around lower side of opening section  33 A and/or attached to sliding shutter  42 , are absorbed and delivered outside of the apparatus through casing section  41 B and ventilation duct  41 C by depressurized airflow generated by the depressurizing pump. 
     Table 1 shows various kinds of data for comparison between an embodiment of the present invention and a comparison example. The particles-supplying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is employed as the embodiment of the present invention, while the conventional particles-supplying apparatus is employed as the comparison example, in which means for adjusting the density of particles is excluded from the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and, instead, the conventional shutter cover is incorporated. 
     Incidentally, a falling preventive mechanism shown in Table 1 is a sliding cover or a capping cover incorporated at delivery opening  29 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Evaluation items 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Presence or 
                   
                 Mesh 
                 (generation ratio of 
               
               
                   
                 Absence 
                   
                 diameter 
                 contaminated container (%)) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 of a 
                   
                 (μm) 
                   
                 Amount of 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 preventive 
                   
                 Container- 
                 Capturing 
                 particle 
                 Comparison 
               
               
                   
                 mechanism 
                   
                 periphery 
                 ratio (%) 
                 aggrega- 
                 example or 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 for 
                 Adjusting 
                 contamina- 
                 Rank 
                 Rank 
                 Rank 
                 tions in 
                 Present 
                   
               
               
                 No. 
                 falling 
                 mean 
                 tion ratio (%) 
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 container 
                 invention 
                 Comment 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 Presence 
                 Absence 
                 — 
                 0 
                 0 
                 100 
                 0.3 g 
                 Comparison 
                 using capping 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 example 
                 cover at the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 delivery 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 opening 
               
               
                 2 
                 Presence 
                 Absence 
                 — 
                 0 
                 0 
                 100 
                 0.5 g 
                 Comparison 
                 using sliding 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 example 
                 cover at the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 delivery 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 opening 
               
               
                 3 
                 Absence 
                 sintered 
                  8 μm 
                 45 
                 55 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                 4 
                 Presence 
                 sintered 
                  10 μm 
                 83 
                 17 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 desirable level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                 5 
                 Absence 
                 sintered 
                  10 μm 
                 79 
                 21 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 desirable level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                 6 
                 Absence 
                 sintered 
                  70 μm 
                 98 
                 2 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 more desirable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 level 
               
               
                 7 
                 Absence 
                 sintered 
                 120 μm 
                 100 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 best level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                 8 
                 Absence 
                 sintered 
                 135 μm 
                 100 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 best level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                 9 
                 Absence 
                 sintered 
                 150 μm 
                 85 
                 15 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 desirable level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                 10 
                 Absence 
                 sintered 
                 160 μm 
                 43 
                 57 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 metal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                 11 
                 Absence 
                 stainless 
                  8 μm 
                 47 
                 53 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                 12 
                 Presence 
                 stainless 
                  15 μm 
                 97 
                 3 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 desirable level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
               
               
                 13 
                 Absence 
                 stainless 
                  15 μm 
                 92 
                 8 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 desirable level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
               
               
                 14 
                 Absence 
                 stainless 
                  40 μm 
                 99 
                 1 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 more desirable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
               
               
                 15 
                 Absence 
                 stainless 
                  77 μm 
                 100 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 best level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
               
               
                 16 
                 Absence 
                 stainless 
                 100 μm 
                 94 
                 6 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 more desirable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
               
               
                 17 
                 Absence 
                 stainless 
                 200 μm 
                 82 
                 18 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 desirable level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
               
               
                 18 
                 Absence 
                 stainless 
                 220 μm 
                 64 
                 36 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 steel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 mesh 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                 19 
                 Absence 
                 non- 
                 70% 
                 61 
                 39 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 20 
                 Presence 
                 non- 
                 70% 
                 83 
                 17 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 21 
                 Absence 
                 non- 
                 85% 
                 95 
                 5 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 22 
                 Absence 
                 non- 
                 90% 
                 98 
                 2 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 more desirable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 23 
                 Absence 
                 non- 
                 98.50% 
                 100 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 best level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 24 
                 Absence 
                 non- 
                 99.00% 
                 100 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 best level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 25 
                 Absence 
                 non- 
                 99.50% 
                 92 
                 8 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 desirable level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 26 
                 Absence 
                 non- 
                 99.80% 
                 74 
                 26 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 practically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 textured 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fiber 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level 
               
               
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 27 
                 Absence 
                 Absence 
                 — 
                 0 
                 0 
                 100 
                 2.0 g 
                 Comparison 
                 without density 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 example 
                 control 
               
               
                 28 
                 Absence 
                 changing 
                 — 
                 80 
                 20 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Present 
                 decreasing the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 invention 
                 aperture of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 aperture 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 delivery 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of the 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 opening at 3% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 delivery 
               
               
                   
                   
                 opening 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In Table 1, the data shown in lines No. 1, 2 indicates the evaluation data for a conventional particles-supplying apparatus which incorporates a sliding cover or a capping cover, and does not perform the novel density control of the particles. The data shown in line No. 27 indicates the evaluation data for the conventional particles-supplying apparatus which does not incorporate a sliding cover or a capping cover, and also does not perform the density control of the particles. The data shown in lines No. 3-10 indicates the evaluation data for the embodiment in which a sintered metal is employed for ventilator  33 . 
     Data shown in lines No. 11-18 indicates the evaluation data for the embodiment in which a stainless steel mesh is employed for ventilator  33  and the diameter of each toner particle is about 10 μm. 
     The data shown in lines No. 19-26 indicates the evaluation data for the embodiment in which a non-textured fiber filter is employed for ventilator  33 . 
     As shown in the experimental data indicated in Table 1, the container-periphery contamination ratios are the best for No. 7 and No. 8 in the sintered metal and for No. 2 and No. 24 in the non-textured fiber filter. 
     Incidentally, after the toner filling process is continuously applied to 500 containers under each condition, the container-periphery contamination ratio is derived from an average value of toner contamination values measured for 100 containers arbitrarily sampled from the 500 containers. 
     In the column of the container-periphery contamination ratio (%), rank A indicates the ratio of containers having no toner contamination after the filling process, rank B indicates the ratio of containers having toner contamination of particles less than 0.6 mm in diameter and rank C indicates the ratio of containers having toner contamination of particles greater than 0.6 mm in diameter. 
     The amount of particle aggregations in each container of the abovementioned 100 containers is derived by weighing particle aggregation remaining after sifting 10 grams of toner with a 375 mesh under negative pressure. Although, mixtures of aggregations are recognized in the comparison example, no mixture of aggregations is recognized in the embodiment of the present invention, which employs a sintered metal, a stainless steel mesh or a non-textured fiber filter. 
     According to the present invention, since the function of the sealing is achieved by particles themselves, it becomes possible to prevent natural falling of particles through the delivery opening, and to eliminate the shutter cover, for preventing the downfall of particles, from the particles-supplying apparatus, and further, to prevent the generation of aggregations formed by moving actions of the shutter cover. As a result, improvement of the working environment in the periphery of the particles-supplying apparatus, delivery of high-quality particles products including no aggregations, simplification of the particles-supplying apparatus and minimization of the apparatus are achieved. 
     According to the present invention, it becomes possible to control the passing action of particles in the particles-supplying path by adding the function of a shutter cover to particles themselves by deaerating particles existing in the vicinity of the delivery opening of the particles-supplying path and by aerating again the cohesive collection of particles.