Source: http://www.google.de/patents/US5652944
Timestamp: 2013-05-23 20:42:46
Document Index: 171824489

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 70', 'art 70', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 63', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 63', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 71', 'art 71']

Patent US5652944 - Serial electrophotographic apparatus with first and second supply chamber ... - Google PatenteSuche Bilder Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive Mehr » Erweiterte Patentsuche | Webprotokoll | Anmelden Erweiterte Patentsuche PatenteA processing part mounted in a carriage for effecting printing when translated in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which recording paper is transported includes a developing unit, the developing unit including a toner chamber and a toner cartridge detachably coupled to the toner chamber....http://www.google.de/patents/US5652944?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5652944 - Serial electrophotographic apparatus with first and second supply chamber with stirring arrangements Ver�ffentlichungsnummerUS5652944 APublikationstypErteilung Anmeldenummer08/458,829 Ver�ffentlichungsdatum29. Juli 1997Eingetragen2. Juni 1995 Priorit�tsdatum29. Juli 1994 ErfinderRyouichi IwamaSyuzo MasudaUrspr�nglich Bevollm�chtigterFujitsu Limited US-Klassifikation399/24399/262399/263399/254Internationale KlassifikationB41J2/45G03G15/00G03G15/08G03G15/32B41J2/455B41J2/44 UnternehmensklassifikationG03G15/32G03G15/0832G03G2215/085G03G2215/068G03G2215/00974B41J19/20 Europ�ische KlassifikationB41J19/20G03G15/32G03G15/08H3ReferenzenPatentzitate (6) Referenziert von (20)Externe LinksUSPTO USPTO-Zuordnung EspacenetSerial electrophotographic apparatus with first and second supply chamber with stirring arrangementsUS 5652944 A Zusammenfassung A processing part mounted in a carriage for effecting printing when translated in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which recording paper is transported includes a developing unit, the developing unit including a toner chamber and a toner cartridge detachably coupled to the toner chamber.
What is claimed is: 1. A serial electrophotographic apparatus comprising: transporting means for transporting recording paper; a carriage equipped, at least, with processing means for exposing a rotated image carrying body, forming a latent image by charging the image carrying body, and developing the latent image to produce a visible image by supplying a print substance from a developing part to the image carrying body, said processing means including a first supply chamber for supplying said print substance to said developing part and a second supply chamber detachably coupled to said first supply chamber; transferring means which, provided in such a position that said recording paper is led through a space between said carriage and the transferring means, transfers said visible image onto the recording paper as said carriage is being translated; translating means for translating said carriage over said transferring means, in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which said recording paper is transported; and a detection means for indicating when the second supply chamber should be exchanged; wherein said second supply chamber is provided with stirring means which, swung in response to translation of said carriage, stirs said print substance in said second supply chamber.
2. The serial electrophotographic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein operating means for swinging said stirring means is provided outside said second supply chamber, and engagement means which, engaged with said operating means, swings said operating means is provided at a predetermined position along a path of said carriage.
3. A serial electrophotographic apparatus comprising: transporting means for transporting recording paper; a carriage equipped, at least, with processing means for exposing a rotated image carrying body, forming a latent image by charging the image carrying body, and developing the latent image to produce a visible image by supplying a print substance from a developing part to the image carrying body, said processing means including a first supply chamber for supplying said print substance to said developing part and a second supply chamber detachably coupled to said first supply chamber; transferring means which, provided in such a position that said recording paper is led through a space between said carriage and the transferring means, transfers said visible image onto the recording paper as said carriage is being translated; translating means for translating said carriage over said transferring means, in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which said recording paper is transported; and a detection means for indicating when the second supply chamber should be exchanged; wherein said second supply chamber is provided with stirring means for stirring said print substance in said second supply chamber by swinging in response to translation of said carriage in a direction in which said carriage is translated.
4. A serial electrophotographic apparatus comprising: transporting means for transporting recording paper; a carriage equipped, at least, with processing means for exposing a rotated image carrying body, forming a latent image by charging the image carrying body, and developing the latent image to produce a visible image by supplying a print substance from a developing part to the image carrying body, said processing means including a first supply chamber for supplying said print substance to said developing part and a second supply chamber detachably coupled to said first supply chamber; transferring means which, provided in such a position that said recording paper is led through a space between said carriage and the transferring means, transfers said visible image onto the recording paper as said carriage is being translated; translating means for translating said carriage over said transferring means, in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which said recording paper is transported; and a detection means for indicating when the second supply chamber should be exchanged; wherein said first supply chamber is provided with stirring means which stirs, in response to translation of said carriage, said print substance in said first supply chamber by swinging in response to translation of said carriage.
5. A serial electrophotographic apparatus comprising: transporting means for transporting recording paper; a carriage equipped, at least, with processing means for exposing a rotated image carrying body, forming a latent image by charging the image carrying body, and developing the latent image to produce a visible image by supplying a print substance from a developing part to the image carrying body, said processing means including a first supply chamber for supplying said print substance to said developing part and a second supply chamber detachably coupled to said first supply chamber; transferring means which, provided in such a position that said recording paper is led through a space between said carriage and the transferring means, transfers said visible image onto the recording paper as said carriage is being translated; translating means for translating said carriage over said transferring means, in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which said recording paper is transported; and a detection means for indicating when the second supply chamber should be exchanged; wherein said first supply chamber is provided with stirring means for stirring said print substance in said first supply chamber by swinging in response to translation of said carriage in a direction in which said carriage is translated.
6. A serial electrophotographic apparatus comprising: transporting means for transporting recording paper; a carriage equipped, at least, with processing means for exposing a rotated image carrying body, forming a latent image by charging the image carrying body, and developing the latent image to produce a visible image by supplying a print substance from a developing part to the image carrying body, said processing means including a first supply chamber for supplying said print substance to said developing part and a second supply chamber detachably coupled to said first supply chamber; transferring means which, provided in such a position that said recording paper is led through a space between said carriage and the transferring means, transfers said visible image onto the recording paper as said carriage is being translated; and translating means for translating said carriage over said transferring means, in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which said recording paper is transported; wherein a shield part having a restitutive capability is provided at an outlet of said second supply chamber via which outlet said print substance is supplied to said first supply chamber, so as to open and to seal by closing said outlet, and wherein an inserted part is provided in said first supply chamber and allowed to enter said second supply chamber through said shield part so as to establish communication between said first supply chamber and said second supply chamber.
7. The serial electrophotographic apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein a notch for allowing said inserted part to enter said second chamber is formed in said shield part.
The developing unit 54 is composed of a first toner chamber (first supply chamber) 57 and a toner cartridge (second supply chamber) 58.sub.A detachably coupled to the toner chamber 57. The toner chamber 57 is equipped with a developing roller 56 and a supply roller 59 which is in contact with the developing roller 56 to supply the toner thereto (described in detail with reference to FIG. 3).
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing how the toner cartridge 58A of FIGS. 2A and 2B is mounted in the developing unit 54. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 54 showing an opening 62a for mounting the toner cartridge 58.sub.A to the toner chamber 57.
A wide supply outlet 63a is formed in the toner cartridge 58.sub.A, and a lid 64 is provided in the supply outlet 63a. The lid 64 can be slid to be removed from the toner cartridge 58.sub.A.
The toner cartridge 58.sub.A is set such that the supply outlet 63a of the toner cartridge 58.sub.A is fitted to the opening 62a of the toner chamber 57. Thereafter, the toner 55 in the toner cartridge 58.sub.A is supplied to the toner chamber 57 by sliding the lid 64 to be removed from the toner cartridge 58.sub.A.
Because the toner cartridge 58.sub.A is detachably coupled to the toner chamber 57 in the developing unit 54, the supply of the toner is facilitated, and printing in large quantity is enabled. By detecting the timing at which the toner cartridge 58.sub.A should be exchanged using the toner detection sensor 65, it is ensured that the quantity of the toner 55 within the toner chamber 57 is maintained at a certain level. Thus, the insufficient supply of the toner 55 is prevented, and printing quality is improved.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a construction of the carriage 32, wherein a toner cartridge 58.sub.B having a relatively narrow supply outlet 63b is detachably fitted to an opening (nozzle) 62b (narrower than the opening 62a) of the toner chamber 57 of the developing unit 54. A tapered portion 63b.sub.1 having a predetermined gradient (which may be equal to or smaller than 45 degrees) is formed in the inner wall of the supply outlet 63b for the purpose of facilitating the supply of the toner.
A rotatable paddle (first stirring means) 66 is provided in the toner cartridge 58.sub.B. Gears 67.sub.1 -67.sub.3 in meshing engagement with each other constituting a first transmitting part is coupled to a rotation axis 66a of the paddle 66, the rotation axis 66a being allowed to extend outside.
The drum gear 51b causes the developing roller 56 and the supply roller 59 to rotate via a transmitting part 70 composed of four gears. A gear 70a is in meshing engagement with the second transmitting part 70. When the toner cartridge 58.sub.B is set, the gear 70a comes into meshing engagement with the gear 67.sub.3.
That is, when the toner cartridge 58.sub.B is set, the paddle 66 within the toner cartridge 58.sub.B is rotated in response to the rotation of the recording drum 51 which is rotated in synchronism with the translation of the carriage 32. In this way, the toner 55 is stirred.
As described above, the second embodiment is constituted such that the supply outlet 63b of the toner cartridge 58.sub.B is set to be narrow, and the toner supply is conducted in a stable manner by the rotation of the paddle 66.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a constitution of a third embodiment, and FIGS. 6A and 6B show a constitution of a toner cartridge of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a construction of the carriage 32. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, a swinging part 71 (second stirring means) is rotatably provided in a toner cartridge 58.sub.C. The swinging part 71 is constructed such that a weight 71c is provided at the end of a rod 71b connected to a fulcrum shaft 71a. The weight 71c of the swinging part 71 swings in the toner cartridge 58.sub.C like a pendulum in response to an external force.
The supply outlet 63b (a tapered part 63b.sub.1 having a gradient equal to or smaller than 45 degrees is formed in the inner wall thereof) of the toner cartridge 58.sub.C is provided with a seal member 72. A notch 72a is formed in the seal member 72. Even when the supply outlet 63b opens at the notch 72a by an external force, the notch 72a is hermetically closed in the absence of the external force. The seal member 72 is formed, for example, of CR (chloroprene), silicone rubber or a natural rubber to have a thickness of about 3 mm. It is to be noted that the notch 72 is not indispensable.
The toner chamber 57 is provided with a nozzle 62c (inserted part). The toner cartridge 58.sub.C is set such that the seal member 72 of the toner cartridge 58.sub.C is fitted over the nozzle 62c. For example, the nozzle 62c is formed to have an outer diameter of 7 mm and an inner diameter of 6 mm.
FIGS. 7A-7C explain an operation conducted when the toner cartridge 58c is set in the developing unit 54. FIG. 8 shows how the toner cartridge 58c is attached to and detached from the developing unit 54. When the toner cartridge 58.sub.C is set in the developing unit 54, an operator performs a topping operation. The toner cartridge 58.sub.C is then shaken so that the swinging part 71 is swung as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, thus effecting an initial stirring of the toner 55. As shown in FIG. 8, the toner cartridge 58.sub.C is set by imposing the seal member 72 on the nozzle 62c of the toner chamber 57 so as to be coupled to the nozzle 62c.
In detaching the toner cartridge 58.sub.C, the seal member 72 wipes the toner 55 attached around the nozzle 62c, thus preventing contamination of the neighborhood of the nozzle 62c from occurring.
It is necessary to stir the toner 55 periodically after the toner cartridge 58.sub.C is set in the toner chamber 57.
As has been described, each time the carriage 32 makes a reciprocating motion, the swinging part 71 goes through one cycle of swinging so as to stir the toner 55. According to this embodiment, even if the tapered part 63b.sub.1, shown in FIG. 6A, of the supply outlet 63b of the toner cartridge 58.sub.C has a gradient smaller than 45 degrees, the toner 55 does not turn into lumps and can be supplied in a stable manner.
When the toner 55 in the toner cartridge 58.sub.C runs out, the toner detection sensor 65 in the toner chamber 57 provides an associated indication. By exchanging the toner cartridge 58.sub.C so as to maintain the toner chamber 57 filled with the toner 55, the insufficient supply of the toner 55 is prevented, and printing quality is improved.
FIGS. 11A and 11B show a constitution of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In a cartridge 58.sub.D shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the fulcrum shaft 71a for supporting the swinging part 71 is allowed to extend outside, and a lever 73 is coupled to the fulcrum shaft 71a. The other aspects of the construction remain the same as those of the third embodiment.
In addition to the swinging motion, described in the third embodiment, in response to acceleration and deceleration of the carriage 32, the swinging part 71 of the fourth embodiment undergoes an additional swinging motion effected by the lever 73. This arrangement is especially effective when the toner density is high in the toner cartridge 58.sub.D.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a constitution of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 58.sub.E. A guide rod 76 having a coil spring 75 wound around it is provided to bridge the cavity in the toner cartridge 58.sub.E in the neighborhood of the supply outlet 63b. A weight 77 slidable along the guide rod 76 is fitted in the coil spring 75. The guide rod 76, the coil spring 75 and the weight 77 constitute third stirring means.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a constitution of a sixth embodiment. In the carriage 32 shown in FIG. 14, the swinging part 71 (fourth stirring means) of the third embodiment is provided in the toner chamber 57 instead of in a toner cartridge 58.sub.F. The other aspects of the sixth embodiment remain the same as those of the third embodiment. The swinging part 71 of the sixth embodiment swings as shown in FIGS. 10A-10I in response to a reciprocating motion of the carriage 32 so as to stir the toner 55. In this case, the toner 55 in the toner cartridge 58.sub.F is supplied to the toner chamber 57 by a swinging motion of the swinging part 71 in response to the translation of the carriage 32.
By using the toner cartridge 58.sub.F, the supply of the toner becomes facilitated and the amount of the toner 55 in the toner chamber 57 can be maintained at the same level. The swinging part 71 stabilizes the supply of the toner to the developing roller 56, thereby improving printing quality.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a constitution of a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the carriage 32 shown in FIG. 15, fifth stirring means composed of the coil spring 75, the guide rod 76 and the weight 77 is provided in the toner chamber 57 instead of in the toner cartridge 58.sub.F.
Similarly to the fifth embodiment, the reciprocating motion of the carriage 32 causes the weight 77 to swing right and left so as to stir the toner 55 in the toner chamber 57. In this case, the toner 55 in the toner cartridge 58.sub.F is supplied to the toner chamber 57 by a swinging motion of the swinging part 71 in response to the translation of the carriage 32.
By using the toner cartridge 58.sub.F, the supply of the toner becomes facilitated and the amount of the toner 55 in the toner chamber 57 can be maintained at the same level. The weight 77 stabilizes the supply of the toner 55 to the developing roller 56, thereby improving printing quality.
The toner 25 is formed, for example, by mixing iron powder with plastic powder having a softening point (melting point) of 100 C. and a diameter of 10-50 μm and painted in a predetermined color. When left in an unchanged condition for a extended period of time, some powders become glued to each other. Hence, it is necessary to shake or stir the toner when it is used.
Patentzitate Zitiertes PatentEingetragen Ver�ffentlichungsdatum Antragsteller TitelUS495819131. M�rz 198918. Sept. 1990Minolta Camera Co., Ltd.Developing deviceUS506196827. Nov. 198929. Okt. 1991Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.Color image forming machine with individually drivable agitating meansUS522037922. Juli 199115. Juni 1993Konica CorporationColor image forming apparatusUS529496028. Mai 199315. M�rz 1994Canon Kabushiki KaishaDetachable two-frame process cartridge for an image forming apparatusUS53251634. Nov. 199228. Juni 1994Fujitsu LimitedCartridge type developer supplier and developing device formed as exchangeable unitJP61152463A Titel nicht verf�gbar Referenziert von Zitiert von PatentEingetragen Ver�ffentlichungsdatum Antragsteller TitelUS572463524. M�rz 19973. M�rz 1998Fujitsu LimitedDeveloping device and image forming apparatus using the developing deviceUS59565515. Sept. 199721. Sept. 1999Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Developing device for electrophotographic processor providing minimization of void reductionUS597863213. Apr. 19982. Nov. 1999Sharp Kabushiki KaishaToner cartridgeUS65910774. Mai 20018. Juli 2003Ricoh Company, Ltd.Image forming apparatus and toner container thereforUS666550831. Jan. 200216. Dez. 2003Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container and image forming apparatus using the sameUS68134606. Okt. 20032. Nov. 2004Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container and image forming apparatus using the sameUS703934624. Okt. 20032. Mai 2006Ricoh Company, Ltd.Flexible toner container and toner delivery apparatusUS708894523. Apr. 20048. Aug. 2006Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner supply unit and image forming apparatusUS711070415. Jan. 200419. Sept. 2006Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container and image forming apparatus using the sameUS71305674. Okt. 200431. Okt. 2006Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container and image forming apparatus using the sameUS715874223. Aug. 20052. Jan. 2007Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container and image forming apparatus using the sameUS716218815. Jan. 20049. Jan. 2007Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container and image forming apparatus using the sameUS72096875. Okt. 200424. Apr. 2007Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container and image forming apparatus using the sameUS72096891. Juli 200324. Apr. 2007Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner supply unit and image forming apparatusUS721888023. Apr. 200415. Mai 2007Ricoh Company, Ltd.Apparatus and method for replenishing a developing device with toner while suppressing toner remainingUS727766523. M�rz 20042. Okt. 2007Ricoh Company, Ltd.Toner container configured for toner replenishment through blow systemUS728974821. Dez. 200530. Okt. 2007Ricoh Company, Ltd.Apparatus and method for replenishing a developing device with toner while suppressing toner remainingUS797898920. Juni 200812. Juli 2011Sharp Kabushiki KaishaToner cartridge and image forming apparatusCN1331011C2. Jan. 20038. Aug. 2007京瓷株式会社Toner supply container for image forming apparatusCN101329534B20. Juni 200813. Apr. 2011Sharp KkToner cartridge and image forming apparatusDrehenOriginalbildGoogle-Startseite - Sitemap - USPTO-Bulk-Downloads - Datenschutzerkl�rung - Nutzungsbedingungen - �ber Google Patente - Feedback gebenDaten bereitgestellt von IFI CLAIMS Patent Services.© 2012 Google