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EP0221281B1 - Device for purging a developer mixture containing a magnetic component from the developer unit of a non-mechanical printing or copying machine - Google Patents

Device for purging a developer mixture containing a magnetic component from the developer unit of a non-mechanical printing or copying machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0221281B1
EP0221281B1 EP86112151A EP86112151A EP0221281B1 EP 0221281 B1 EP0221281 B1 EP 0221281B1 EP 86112151 A EP86112151 A EP 86112151A EP 86112151 A EP86112151 A EP 86112151A EP 0221281 B1 EP0221281 B1 EP 0221281B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
developer
mixture
magnetic
exhaust opening
developer mixture
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP86112151A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0221281A1 (en
Inventor
Manfred Ing.-Grad. Neufeld
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP0221281A1 publication Critical patent/EP0221281A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0221281B1 publication Critical patent/EP0221281B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0844—Arrangements for purging used developer from the developing unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/10—Collecting or recycling waste developer
    • G03G21/105—Arrangements for conveying toner waste

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • charge images on a charge image carrier for. B. a photoconductor drum and then colored with a black powder (toner) in a developer station.
  • a black powder toner
  • the toner images are then transferred to plain paper and fixed there.
  • a two-component developer consisting of ferromagnetic carrier particles and toner particles is used for development.
  • the developer mixture is e.g. B. by means of a magnetic brush arrangement past the charge pattern, to which the toner particles, caused by electrostatic forces, remain adherent.
  • Such a developer station is e.g. B. from DE-B-21 66 667 known.
  • a device for removing the developer mixture from a developer station of an electrographic device contains a developer roller and a mixing screw, at the end of which the drain opening with a tube for connecting a bottle for receiving the developer mixture is arranged in the bottom of the developer station.
  • the direction of rotation of the mixing screw and the developer roller is reversed in order to transport the developer mixture to the drain opening.
  • a device for removing a developer mixture containing a magnetic component from a developer station of an electrophotographic device is known.
  • the discharge opening for the developer mixture to be replaced is located on a side section of the developer housing. It can be closed and opened manually with a foam-covered plate.
  • US-A-4,082,061 describes a suction device for removing the developer mixture from the developer station.
  • a method for continuous mixture change using a closure device made of a combination of electromagnets and permanent magnets is known from US-A-4,380,309.
  • the object of the invention is to design a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the developer mixture can be removed completely, quickly and without risk of contamination of the environment from the developer station.
  • a channel-like emptying opening which extends over the width of the developer station and in the vicinity of which a magnetic closure device is arranged.
  • the magnetic closure device is designed in such a way that its activated magnetic field in the region of the discharge opening forms a plug of developer mixture which closes the discharge opening.
  • the emptying opening is opened and the developer mixture is completely sucked out of the developer station by negative pressure by means of a suction device connected to the emptying opening.
  • the magnetic closure device has a magnetic strip, which can either consist of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
  • a permanent magnet When using a permanent magnet, the closure device for opening and closing the emptying opening is pivoted on or off the emptying opening.
  • the carrier particles made of ferromagnetic material form a graft which reliably prevents the developer mixture from escaping from the developer station.
  • the magnetic bar is simply pivoted away or deactivated by switching off the current when using an electromagnet.
  • This opens the discharge opening and a vacuum generating device in the form of a blower can quickly develop the developer and vacuum safely from the developer station.
  • the emptying opening is advantageously arranged downstream of a cylindrical air collector in which the suctioned developer mixture is swirled and which primarily serves to ensure a uniform pressure profile along the emptying opening. This enables the developer mixture to be removed quickly and reliably from the developer station.
  • the closed emptying system means there is no danger of pollution to the environment. This also applies to unintentional actuation of the magnetic locking device if no safety measures are provided for this. Emptying is extremely quick and safe.
  • a collection container for residual toner already present in the electrophotographic printing device can advantageously be used in the device. No additional drive is required to remove the developer mixture, since the developer mixture is removed solely by means of negative pressure.
  • a usable mixture is sucked into a toner bottle in the collecting container, from which it can be refilled into the developer station when changing the mixture.
  • the entire device can be integrated in a simple manner in a cost-effective and space-saving manner in the developer station.
  • a developer station 10 is adjacent to a charge image carrier 11, e.g. B. a photoconductor drum.
  • the developer station 10 contains, for example, a paddle wheel 12 for mixing a two-component developer mixture of ferromagnetic carrier particles and the actual toner particles coloring the charge carrier 11.
  • the mixed developer mixture 13 is brought into the surroundings of the photoconductor drum with the aid of a magnet roller arrangement made of a rotating hollow cylinder 14 with magnets 15 fixedly arranged therein.
  • the entire mixing and transport devices for the toner are motor-driven in a known manner, which is not shown in detail here.
  • the developer station consists of a trough-like housing 16 made of z. B. impact-resistant plastic, which extends according to the width of the photoconductor drum in the axial direction along this photoconductor drum 11.
  • At the bottom of the housing there is an emptying opening in the form of a flat channel 17 which, for. B. has a clear width of about 3 mm.
  • a permanent magnet strip 18 extending over the length of the emptying opening is arranged in the region of this emptying opening designed as a flat channel. It can consist of a barium ferrite magnet that has pole plates on both sides and z. B. has a quality value (energy product (B - H) max ) of approximately 20 kJ / m 3 .
  • the permanent magnet strip 18 can be pivoted to and away from the area of the emptying opening via an electromotive device 20 as shown in FIG. 2.
  • a cylindrical air collector 21 is arranged downstream of the gap-shaped emptying opening (flat duct 17). It consists of a cylindrical tube which extends along the emptying opening (flat duct 17) over the entire width of the developer station. Instead of the cylindrical air collector, a conical air collector can also be used, the largest diameter of which is located in the vicinity of the air outlet opening 22. This changes the flow conditions favorably and the air collector can be easily manufactured using the injection molding process.
  • the air collector 21 is connected to a cyclone filter 23 via a flexible pipeline 22.
  • the cyclone filter 23 is detachably placed on a collecting container 24 for the developer mixture. Downstream of the cyclone filter is a filter 25, which in turn is connected to a blower 26 generating a vacuum.
  • a silencer 27 is located at the air outlet area of the blower 26.
  • the entire device now works as follows.
  • the developer station is filled with developer mixture and, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the permanent magnet strip 18 is pivoted onto the flat channel 17. Due to its magnetic field in the area of the flat channel 17, which has an average height of only about 3 mm, the permanent magnetic strip 18 produces a plug of ferromagnetic carrier particles which prevent the developer mixture from escaping from the flat channel.
  • the permanent magnet strip 18 is simply pivoted away from the region of the flat channel 17 with the aid of the motor device 20.
  • the flat channel 17 serving as an emptying opening for the developer mixture is thus released and the developer mixture can flow in a spiral spiral shape into the cylindrical air collector 21, which has an approximate diameter of 45 mm, due to the negative pressure having a water column of approximately 100 mm.
  • the swirled developer mixture 13 flows after leaving the air collector via the pipeline 22 into the cyclone filter 23, in which it settles because of the radial flow of the air developer mixture in the cyclone filter.
  • the developer mixture falls out of the cyclone filter into the collecting container 24. Only small residues of the developer mixture penetrate into the fine filter 25, which catches this small remaining amount of developer mixture.
  • a permanent magnetic strip made of barrium ferrite with pole faces on both sides is used.
  • an electromagnet instead of this permanent magnet strip 18, which is activated if necessary.
  • the electromagnet can be composed of individual magnetic elements. This also applies to the construction of a permanent magnetic strip.
  • developer mixture 13 is fed from a storage container 28 to the actual mixture container 30 of the developer station via a feed channel 29.
  • a magnetic closure device is assigned to the feed channel 29 and consists of two magnetic elements in the form of magnetic strips 33 and 34 that can be pivoted on and off separately via motors 31 and 32.
  • the magnetic strips 33 and 34 are arranged at a distance from one another.
  • the flat channel 17 already described.
  • a further magnetic locking device which can be pivoted on and off separately from two by means of motors 35 and 36 Magnetic elements in the form of magnetic strips 37 and 38, which are also arranged at a distance from each other.
  • the magnetic strips 33, 34, 37 and 38 are controlled by a microprocessor-controlled control device MCU via switches S1 and S2.
  • the magnetic strip pairs are controlled in such a way that the magnetic strips 33 and 34 or 37 and 38 alternately contact the corresponding channels 29 and 17.
  • This developer mixture builds up on the swiveled-in magnetic strip 34.
  • the first magnetic strip 33 is then swiveled in again and the second magnetic strip 34 swiveled out.
  • the developer mixture stowed in the feed channel 29 can thus fall into the actual mixture container 30.
  • This type of feed enables a metered addition of fresh developer mixture.
  • the developer mixture is removed from the developer station and fed to the air collector 21.
  • microprocessor-controlled control device MCU controls the access and the outflow of developer mixture to the developer station in such a way that small amounts of the mixture present in the developer station are removed via the magnetic strips 37 and 38 in relatively short time intervals and that these mixture amounts are then in each case replaced by the same new mixture amounts from the Storage container 28 are replaced via the magnetic strips 33 and 34.
  • the average age can be calculated using the rule of thumb:
  • Average age (days) total mixed quantity / changing quantity / day.
  • a sensor SN is arranged in the mixture container 30.
  • B. can be part of a light barrier or can be designed as a capacitive or inductive sensor or as an ultrasonic sensor. This sensor is necessary because, in practice, the quantity of mixture supplied and discharged can never be set 100% the same.
  • the microprocessor-controlled control unit MCU now regulates the supply of the Ent in dependence on the level of the developer mixture in the mixture container 30 detected by the sensor SN winder mixture through the feed channel 29 and the emptying of the developer mixture via the flat channel 17 in such a way that a uniform level is established in the mixture container 30 of the developer mixture.
  • the storage area 28 is designed as an exchangeable storage container, the exchange can take place during the printing operation.
  • the entire developer station is reduced to a minimum volume because the large amounts of developer that would otherwise be required for longer maintenance intervals are eliminated.
  • the toner consumption is controlled according to criteria such as operating hours and toner consumption via the continuous mixture change.
  • electromagnets can also be arranged which can be controlled alternately.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Magnetic Brush Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

1. Device for purging a developer mixture (13) containing a magnetic component from a developer unit (10) of a non-mechanical printing or copying machine, the developer unit (10) having at the base a channel-shaped exhaust opening (17) extending across the width of the developer unit, characterized in that next to the exhaust opening (17) there is located a magnetic closing device (18) which is constructed in such a way that in the activated state its magnetic field forms in the region of the exhaust opening (17) a plug of developer mixture (13) that closes the exhaust opening, and which in the deactivated state releases the exhaust opening (17), and in that a suction device (26) is provided downstream of the exhaust opening.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1.The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

In der Kopiergerätetechnik und bei nichtmechanischen Datenschnelldruckern, die nach dem Prinzip der Elektrofotografie arbeiten, werden Ladungsbilder auf einem Ladungsbildträger, z. B. einer Fotoleitertrommel erzeugt und anschließend mit einem schwarzen Pulver (Toner) in einer Entwicklerstation eingefärbt. Die Tonerbilder werden bei Verwendung einer Fotoleitertrommel anschließend auf Normalpapier übertragen und dort fixiert. In der Regel wird zum Entwickeln ein ZweiKomponenten-Entwickler verwendet, der aus ferromagnetischen Trägerteilchen und Tonerteilchen besteht. Das Entwicklergemisch wird z. B. mittels einer Magnetbürsten-Anordnung am Ladungsbild vorbeigeführt, an dem die Tonerteilchen, verursacht durch elektrostatische Kräfte haften bleiben. Eine derartige Entwicklerstation ist z. B. aus der DE-B-21 66 667 bekannt.In copier technology and in non-mechanical high-speed data printers, which work on the principle of electrophotography, charge images on a charge image carrier, for. B. a photoconductor drum and then colored with a black powder (toner) in a developer station. When using a photoconductor drum, the toner images are then transferred to plain paper and fixed there. Typically, a two-component developer consisting of ferromagnetic carrier particles and toner particles is used for development. The developer mixture is e.g. B. by means of a magnetic brush arrangement past the charge pattern, to which the toner particles, caused by electrostatic forces, remain adherent. Such a developer station is e.g. B. from DE-B-21 66 667 known.

Da das Entwicklergemisch im Laufe der Zeit seine triboelektrischen Eigenschaften verliert, muß es am Ende seiner Lebensdauer gegen ein neues Entwicklergemisch ausgetauscht werden. Dieser Austausch des Entwicklergemisches muß einfach durchzuführen sein.Since the developer mixture loses its triboelectric properties over time, it must be replaced with a new developer mixture at the end of its service life. This exchange of the developer mixture must be easy to carry out.

Es ist weiter aus der US-PS 37 64 208 eine Vorrichtung zur Entfernung des Entwicklergemisches aus einer Entwicklerstation einer elektrografischen Einrichtung bekannt. Diese Vorrichtung enthält eine Entwicklerwalze und eine Mischschnekke, an deren Ende im Boden der Entwicklerstation die Ablauföffnung mit einem Rohr zum Anschluß einer Flasche zur Aufnahme des Entwicklergemisches angeordnet ist. Zur Entfernung des Entwicklergemisches wird die Drehrichtung von Mischschnecke und der Entwicklerwalze umgesteuert, um damit das Entwicklergemisch zur Ablauföffnung zu transportieren.From US-PS 37 64 208 a device for removing the developer mixture from a developer station of an electrographic device is known. This device contains a developer roller and a mixing screw, at the end of which the drain opening with a tube for connecting a bottle for receiving the developer mixture is arranged in the bottom of the developer station. In order to remove the developer mixture, the direction of rotation of the mixing screw and the developer roller is reversed in order to transport the developer mixture to the drain opening.

Bei derartigen Vorrichtungen besteht die Gefahr, daß im Bereich des Austrittsrohres unbeabsichtigt Gemisch ausfließen kann. Beim Anschließen und Entfernen der Flasche besteht Verschmutzungsgefahr für die Umgebung. Eine vollständige Entleerung ist nicht möglich, da die Schnecke und der dazugehörige Schneckenkanal immer einen definierten Abstand zueinander haben müssen. Der gesamte Entleerungsvorgang dauert relativ lange. An den Schnecken können sich erfahrungsgemäß Tonerverfestigungen bilden, die abplatzen können.With such devices, there is a risk that mixture may unintentionally flow out in the area of the outlet pipe. When connecting and removing the bottle, there is a risk of environmental pollution. Complete emptying is not possible since the screw and the associated screw channel must always be at a defined distance from one another. The entire emptying process takes a relatively long time. Experience has shown that toner solidifications can form on the screws, which can flake off.

Aus der US-A-4,439,034 ist eine Vorrichtung zum Entfernen eines, eine magnetische Komponente enthaltenden Entwicklergemisches aus einer Entwicklerstation eines elektrofotografischen Gerätes bekannt. Die Entleeröffnung für das zu ersetzende Entwicklergemisch befindet sich an einem Seitenabschnitt des Entwicklergehäuses. Sie kann mit einer mit Schaumstoff versehenen Platte manuell verschlossen und geöffnet werden.From US-A-4,439,034 a device for removing a developer mixture containing a magnetic component from a developer station of an electrophotographic device is known. The discharge opening for the developer mixture to be replaced is located on a side section of the developer housing. It can be closed and opened manually with a foam-covered plate.

Eine sich über die Breite der Entwicklerstation erstreckende Entleeröffnung, die sich am Boden des Gehäuses befindet, ist in der JP-A-60-98467 beschrieben.An emptying opening which extends across the width of the developer station and is located at the bottom of the housing is described in JP-A-60-98467.

Es ist weiterhin aus der US-A-3,930,466 bzw. US-A-4,380,309 eine Magnetverschlußvorrichtung entnehmbar, mit der über von außen wirkende magnetische Kräfte im Verschlußkanal ein Pfropf erzeugt wird.From US-A-3,930,466 and US-A-4,380,309 a magnetic closure device can also be seen, with which a plug is produced in the closure channel by means of external magnetic forces.

Die US-A-4,082,061 beschreibt eine Saugeinrichtung zum Entfernen des Entwicklergemisches aus der Entwicklerstation.US-A-4,082,061 describes a suction device for removing the developer mixture from the developer station.

Ein Verfahren zum kontinuierlichen Gemischwechsel unter Verwendung einer Verschlußeinrichtung aus einer Kombination von Elektro- und Dauermagneten ist aus der US-A-4,380,309 bekannt.A method for continuous mixture change using a closure device made of a combination of electromagnets and permanent magnets is known from US-A-4,380,309.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art so auszugestalten, daß das Entwicklergemisch vollständig, schnell und ohne Verschmutzungsgefahr für die Umgebung aus der Entwicklerstation entfernt werden kann.The object of the invention is to design a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the developer mixture can be removed completely, quickly and without risk of contamination of the environment from the developer station.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art gemäß dem kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruches 1 gelöst.This object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned in the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen gekennzeichnet.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims.

Am Boden der Entwicklerstation befindet sich eine über die Breite der Entwicklerstation erstreckende kanalartige Entleeröffnung, in deren Umgebung eine magnetische Verschlußeinrichtung angeordnet ist. Die magnetische Verschlußeinrichtung ist derart ausgebildet, daß ihr Magnetfeld im aktivierten Zustand im Bereich der Entleeröffnung einen die Entleeröffnung verschließenden Pfropf aus Entwicklergemisch bildet. Zum Entleeren im deaktivierten Zustand der Verschlußeinrichtung wird die Entleeröffnung freigegeben und das Entwicklergemisch durch eine mit der Entleeröffnung in Verbindung stehende Saugereinrichtung durch Unterdruck vollständig aus der Entwicklerstation abgesaugt.At the bottom of the developer station there is a channel-like emptying opening which extends over the width of the developer station and in the vicinity of which a magnetic closure device is arranged. The magnetic closure device is designed in such a way that its activated magnetic field in the region of the discharge opening forms a plug of developer mixture which closes the discharge opening. For emptying in the deactivated state of the closure device, the emptying opening is opened and the developer mixture is completely sucked out of the developer station by negative pressure by means of a suction device connected to the emptying opening.

Die magnetische Verschlußeinrichtung weist dabei eine Magnetleiste auf, die entweder aus einem Dauermagneten bestehen kann oder aus einem Elektromagneten. Bei der Verwendung eines Dauermagneten wird die Verschlußeinrichtung zum Öffnen und Schließen der Entleeröffnung an die Entleeröffnung an- oder abgeschwenkt.The magnetic closure device has a magnetic strip, which can either consist of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. When using a permanent magnet, the closure device for opening and closing the emptying opening is pivoted on or off the emptying opening.

Im geschlossenen Zustand bilden die Trägerteilchen aus ferromagnetischen Material einen Pfropf, der ein Austreten des Entwicklergemisches aus der Entwicklerstation zuverlässig verhindert.In the closed state, the carrier particles made of ferromagnetic material form a graft which reliably prevents the developer mixture from escaping from the developer station.

Zum Entleeren der Entwicklerstation wird in einfacher Weise entweder die Magnetleiste abgeschwenkt oder durch Stromabschaltung bei Verwendung eines Elektromagneten deaktiviert. Dadurch öffnet sich die Entleeröffnung und eine Unterdruck erzeugende Einrichtung in Form eines Gebläses kann das Entwicklergemisch schnell und sicher aus der Entwicklerstation absaugen. Um gleichmäßiges Absaugen zu ermöglichen, ist in vorteilhafter Weise der Entleeröffnung nachgeordnet, ein zylindrischer Luftsammler, in dem das abgesaugte Entwicklergemisch verwirbelt wird und der in erster Linie dazu dient, für ein gleichmäßiges Druckprofil entlang der Entleeröffnung zu sorgen. Damit wird eine rasche saubere, betriebssichere Entfernung des Entwicklergemisches aus der Entwicklerstation möglich.To empty the developer station, either the magnetic bar is simply pivoted away or deactivated by switching off the current when using an electromagnet. This opens the discharge opening and a vacuum generating device in the form of a blower can quickly develop the developer and vacuum safely from the developer station. In order to enable uniform suction, the emptying opening is advantageously arranged downstream of a cylindrical air collector in which the suctioned developer mixture is swirled and which primarily serves to ensure a uniform pressure profile along the emptying opening. This enables the developer mixture to be removed quickly and reliably from the developer station.

Durch das geschlossene Entleerungssystem tritt keine Verschmutzungsgefahr für die Umgebung auf. Dies gilt auch für ein unbeabsichtigtes Betätigen der magnetischen Verschlußeinrichtung, wenn hierfür keine Sicherungsmaßnahmen vorgesehen werden. Die Entleerung erfolgt außerordentlich schnell und sicher. Durch die Verwendung der magnetischen Verschlußeinrichtung werden mechanisch bewegte Teile z. B. Schieber und Ventile nicht dem abrasiven Entwicklergemisch ausgesetzt. Dadurch ist die gesamte Vorrichtung wesentlich betriebssicherer und verschleißfester. Bei aktivierter magnetischer Verschlußeinrichtung kann über die Saugeinrichtung beständig ein Unterdruck an der Entleeröffnung erzeugt werden, ohne daß Entwicklergemisch austritt.The closed emptying system means there is no danger of pollution to the environment. This also applies to unintentional actuation of the magnetic locking device if no safety measures are provided for this. Emptying is extremely quick and safe. By using the magnetic closure device mechanically moving parts such. B. Sliders and valves are not exposed to the abrasive developer mixture. As a result, the entire device is considerably more reliable and wear-resistant. When the magnetic closure device is activated, a negative pressure can constantly be generated at the discharge opening via the suction device without the developer mixture escaping.

In der Vorrichtung kann in vorteilhafter Weise ein in der elektrofotografischen Druckeinrichtung bereits vorhandener Auffangbehälter für Resttoner mitverwendet werden. Für das Entfernen des Entwicklergemisches ist kein zusätzlicher Antrieb notwendig, da die Entfernung des Entwicklergemisches allein durch Unterdruck erfolgt.A collection container for residual toner already present in the electrophotographic printing device can advantageously be used in the device. No additional drive is required to remove the developer mixture, since the developer mixture is removed solely by means of negative pressure.

Bei Farbwechsel oder Reparaturen wird noch brauchbares Gemisch in eine im Auffangbehälter befindliche Tonerflasche gesaugt, aus der es bei einem Gemischwechsel wieder in die Entwicklerstation eingefüllt werden kann.During color changes or repairs, a usable mixture is sucked into a toner bottle in the collecting container, from which it can be refilled into the developer station when changing the mixture.

Die gesamte Vorrichtung läßt sich in einfacher Weise kostengünstig und platzsparend in der Entwicklerstation integrieren.The entire device can be integrated in a simple manner in a cost-effective and space-saving manner in the developer station.

Verwendet man Entleervorrichtungen in einer elektrofotografischen Druckeinrichtung, bei dem unterschiedliche Farben gedruckt werden, so läßt sich ein Farbwechsel sehr schnell durchführen.If emptying devices are used in an electrophotographic printing device in which different colors are printed, a color change can be carried out very quickly.

Eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und wird im folgenden näher beschrieben. Es zeigen

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung zum Entfernen eines Entwicklergemisches aus einer Entwicklerstation einer elektrofotografischen Druckeinrichtung und
  • Fig. 2 eine Schnittdarstellung der selben Vorrichtung.
  • Fig. 3 eine Schnittdarstellung einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit kontinuierlichem Gemischwechsel.
An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is described in more detail below. Show it
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the device for removing a developer mixture from a developer station of an electrophotographic printing device and
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the same device.
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the invention with a continuous mixture change.

In einer nach dem Prinzip der Elektrofotografie arbeitenden Druckeinrichtung ist eine Entwicklerstation 10 benachbart zu einem Ladungsbildträger 11, z. B. einer Fotoleitertrommel angeordnet. Die Entwicklerstation 10 enthält beispielsweise ein Schaufelrad 12 zum Durchmischen eines aus Zweikomponenten bestehenden Entwicklergemisches aus ferromagnetischen Trägerteilchen und den eigentlichen, den Ladungsträger 11 einfärbenden Tonerteilchen. Zum Einfärben der Fotoleitertrommel 11 wird das durchgemischte Entwicklergemisch 13 mit Hilfe einer Magnetwalzenanordnung aus einem rotierenden Hohlzylinder 14 mit darin fest angeordneten Magneten 15 in die Umgebung der Fotoleitertrommel gebracht. Die gesamten Misch- und Transporteinrichtungen für den Toner sind in bekannter Weise motorisch angetrieben, was hier nicht im einzelnen dargestellt ist.In a printing device operating on the principle of electrophotography, a developer station 10 is adjacent to a charge image carrier 11, e.g. B. a photoconductor drum. The developer station 10 contains, for example, a paddle wheel 12 for mixing a two-component developer mixture of ferromagnetic carrier particles and the actual toner particles coloring the charge carrier 11. For coloring the photoconductor drum 11, the mixed developer mixture 13 is brought into the surroundings of the photoconductor drum with the aid of a magnet roller arrangement made of a rotating hollow cylinder 14 with magnets 15 fixedly arranged therein. The entire mixing and transport devices for the toner are motor-driven in a known manner, which is not shown in detail here.

Die Entwicklerstation besteht aus einem trogartigen Gehäuse 16 aus z. B. schlagfestem Kunststoff, das sich entsprechend der Breite der Fotoleitertrommel in axialer Richtung entlang dieser Fotoleitertrommel 11 erstreckt. Am Boden des Gehäuses befindet sich eine Entleeröffnung in Form eines Flachkanales 17, der z. B. eine lichte Weite von ca. 3 mm aufweist. Im Bereich dieser als Flachkanal ausgebildeten Entleeröffnung ist eine sich über die Länge der Entleeröffnung erstreckende Dauermagnetleiste 18 angeordnet. Sie kann aus einem Barium-Ferrit-Magneten bestehen, der beidseitig Polbleche aufweist und z. B. einen Gütewert (Energieprodukt (B - H)max) von ca. 20 kJ/m3 hat. Die Dauermagnetleiste 18 kann über eine elektromotorische Einrichtung 20 entsprechend der Darstellung der Fig. 2 an den Bereich der Entleeröffnung an- und von dieser weggeschwenkt werden.The developer station consists of a trough-like housing 16 made of z. B. impact-resistant plastic, which extends according to the width of the photoconductor drum in the axial direction along this photoconductor drum 11. At the bottom of the housing there is an emptying opening in the form of a flat channel 17 which, for. B. has a clear width of about 3 mm. A permanent magnet strip 18 extending over the length of the emptying opening is arranged in the region of this emptying opening designed as a flat channel. It can consist of a barium ferrite magnet that has pole plates on both sides and z. B. has a quality value (energy product (B - H) max ) of approximately 20 kJ / m 3 . The permanent magnet strip 18 can be pivoted to and away from the area of the emptying opening via an electromotive device 20 as shown in FIG. 2.

Der spaltförmigen Entleeröffnung (Flachkanal 17) nachgeordnet ist ein zylindrischer Luftsammler 21. Er besteht aus einem zylindrischen Rohr, das sich über die gesamte Breite der Entwicklerstation entlang der Entleeröffnung (Flachanal 17) erstreckt. Anstelle des zylindrischen Luftsammlers läßt sich auch ein konischer Luftsammler verwenden, dessen größter Druchmasser sich in der Nähe der Luftaustrittsöffnung 22 befindet. Damit verändern sich die Strömungsverhältnisse günstig und der Luftsammler kann in einfacher Weise im Spritzgußverfahren hergestellt werden. Der Luftsammler 21 steht über eine flexible Rohrleitung 22 mit einem Zyklonfilter 23 in Verbindung. Das Zyklonfilter 23 ist lösbar auf einen Auffangbehälter 24 für das Entwicklergemisch aufgesetzt. Dem Zyklonfilter nachgeschaltet ist ein Filter 25, das wiederum mit einem einen Unterdruck erzeugenden Gebläse 26 in Verbindung steht. Am Luftaustrittsbereich des Gebläses 26 befindet sich ein Schalldämpfer 27.A cylindrical air collector 21 is arranged downstream of the gap-shaped emptying opening (flat duct 17). It consists of a cylindrical tube which extends along the emptying opening (flat duct 17) over the entire width of the developer station. Instead of the cylindrical air collector, a conical air collector can also be used, the largest diameter of which is located in the vicinity of the air outlet opening 22. This changes the flow conditions favorably and the air collector can be easily manufactured using the injection molding process. The air collector 21 is connected to a cyclone filter 23 via a flexible pipeline 22. The cyclone filter 23 is detachably placed on a collecting container 24 for the developer mixture. Downstream of the cyclone filter is a filter 25, which in turn is connected to a blower 26 generating a vacuum. A silencer 27 is located at the air outlet area of the blower 26.

Die gesamte Vorrichtung arbeitet nun wie folgt. Im normalen Betrieb der elektrofotografischen Druckeinrichtung ist die Entwicklerstation mit Entwicklergemisch gefüllt und entsprechend der Darstellung nach den Figuren 1 und 2 die Dauermagnetleiste 18 an den Flachkanal 17 angeschwenkt. Die Dauermagnetleiste 18 erzeugt durch ihr Magnetfeld im Bereich des Flachkanales 17 der nur eine durchschnittliche Höhe von ca. 3 mm hat, einen Pfropf aus ferromagnetischen Trägerteilchen, die ein Austreten des Entwicklergemisches aus dem Flachkanal verhindern.The entire device now works as follows. During normal operation of the electrophotographic printing device, the developer station is filled with developer mixture and, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the permanent magnet strip 18 is pivoted onto the flat channel 17. Due to its magnetic field in the area of the flat channel 17, which has an average height of only about 3 mm, the permanent magnetic strip 18 produces a plug of ferromagnetic carrier particles which prevent the developer mixture from escaping from the flat channel.

Durch das ständig laufende Gebläse im Luftsammler 21 wird ein Unterdruck erzeugt. Die Magnetkraft der Dauermagnetleiste ist aber so bemessen, daß Entwicklergemisch durch den Flachkanal 17 nicht austreten kann. Da bei elektrofotografischen Druckeinrichtungen zur Entfernung des an der Fotoleitertrommel anhaftenden Toners in der Reinigungseinrichtung beim Druckbetrieb beständig Unterdruck erzeugt werden muß und dies ebenfalls in hier nicht dargestellter Weise, über das Gebläse 26 erfolgt, kann der Luftsammler 21 während des gesamten Betriebes der elektrofotografischen Druckeinrichtung an Unterdruck liegen. Es ist jedoch auch möglich für die Reinigungsstation und für die Einrichtung zur Entfernung des Entwicklergemisches getrennte Gebläse vorzusehen.Due to the constantly running fan in the air collector 21, a negative pressure is generated. The magnetic force of the permanent magnet strip is dimensioned such that developer mixture cannot escape through the flat channel 17. Since in the case of electrophotographic printing devices in order to remove the toner adhering to the photoconductor drum in the cleaning device during the printing operation, negative pressure must be constantly generated and this is also done in a manner not shown here, via the blower 26, the air collector 21 can be underpressure during the entire operation of the electrophotographic printing device lie. However, it is also possible to provide separate blowers for the cleaning station and for the device for removing the developer mixture.

Soll mit der beschriebenen Vorrichtung das Entwicklergemisch 13 aus der Entwicklerstation entfernt werden, so wird in einfacher Weise die Dauermagnetleiste 18 mit Hilfe der motorischen Einrichtung 20 aus dem Bereich des Flachkanales 17 weggeschwenkt. Der als Entleeröffnung für das Entwicklergemisch dienende Flachkanal 17 wird damit freigegeben und das Entwicklergemisch kann infolge des ca. 100 mm Wassersäule aufweisenden Unterdruckes spiralwendelförmige in den zylindrischen Luftsammler 21 einströmen, der einen ungefähren Durchmessen von 45 mm hat. Das verwirbelte Entwicklergemisch 13 strömt nach Verlassen des Luftsammlers über die Rohrleitung 22 in den Zyklonfilter 23, in dem es sich absetzt und zwar bedingt durch die radiale Strömung des Luftentwicklergemisches im Zyklonfilter. Aus dem Zyklonfilter fällt das Entwicklergemisch in den Auffangbehälter 24. Nur geringe Reste des Entwicklergemisches dringen in das Feinfilter 25, das diese geringe Restmenge von Entwicklergemisch abfängt.If the developer mixture 13 is to be removed from the developer station using the device described, the permanent magnet strip 18 is simply pivoted away from the region of the flat channel 17 with the aid of the motor device 20. The flat channel 17 serving as an emptying opening for the developer mixture is thus released and the developer mixture can flow in a spiral spiral shape into the cylindrical air collector 21, which has an approximate diameter of 45 mm, due to the negative pressure having a water column of approximately 100 mm. The swirled developer mixture 13 flows after leaving the air collector via the pipeline 22 into the cyclone filter 23, in which it settles because of the radial flow of the air developer mixture in the cyclone filter. The developer mixture falls out of the cyclone filter into the collecting container 24. Only small residues of the developer mixture penetrate into the fine filter 25, which catches this small remaining amount of developer mixture.

Bei den beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen wird eine Dauermagnetleiste aus Barrium-Ferrit mit beidseitigen Polflächen verwendet. Es ist jedoch auch möglich anstelle dieser Dauermagnetleiste 18 einen Elektromagneten anzuordnen, der bedarfsweise aktiviert wird. Der Elektromagnet kann dabei aus einzelnen Magnetelementen zusammengesetzt sein. Dies gilt auch für den Aufbau einer Dauermagnetleiste.In the exemplary embodiments described, a permanent magnetic strip made of barrium ferrite with pole faces on both sides is used. However, it is also possible to arrange an electromagnet instead of this permanent magnet strip 18, which is activated if necessary. The electromagnet can be composed of individual magnetic elements. This also applies to the construction of a permanent magnetic strip.

Bei der in der Fig. 3 dargestellten Ausführungsform einer Entwicklerstation in einer nach dem Prinzip der Elektrofotografie arbeitenden Druckeinrichtung, die nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Prinzip des kontinuierlichen Gemischwechsels arbeitet, wird Entwicklergemisch 13 aus einem Vorratsbehälter 28 über einen Zuführungskanal 29 dem eigentlichen Gemischbehälter 30 der Entwicklerstation zugeführt. Dem Zuführungskanal 29 ist eine magnetische Verschlußeinrichtung zugeordnet, die aus zwei getrennt über Motoren 31 und 32 an- und abschwenkbaren Magnetelemente in Form von Magnetleisten 33 und 34 besteht. Die Magnetleisten 33 und 34 sind im Abstand zueinander angeordnet. Am Ausgang der Entwicklerstation - die ansonsten entsprechend der Entwicklerstation gemäß den Fig. 1 und 2 aufgebaut ist - befindet sich der bereits beschriebene Flachkanal 17. In dessen Bereich befindet sich eine weitere magnetische Verschlußeinrichtung die aus zwei über Motoren 35 und 36 getrennt an- und abschwenkbaren Magnetelementen in Form von Magnetleisten 37 und 38 besteht, die ebenfalls im Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind.In the embodiment of a developer station shown in FIG. 3 in a printing device which works on the principle of electrophotography and works on the principle of continuous mixture change according to the invention, developer mixture 13 is fed from a storage container 28 to the actual mixture container 30 of the developer station via a feed channel 29. A magnetic closure device is assigned to the feed channel 29 and consists of two magnetic elements in the form of magnetic strips 33 and 34 that can be pivoted on and off separately via motors 31 and 32. The magnetic strips 33 and 34 are arranged at a distance from one another. At the exit of the developer station - which is otherwise constructed in accordance with the developer station according to FIGS. 1 and 2 - there is the flat channel 17 already described. In its area there is a further magnetic locking device which can be pivoted on and off separately from two by means of motors 35 and 36 Magnetic elements in the form of magnetic strips 37 and 38, which are also arranged at a distance from each other.

Von einer mikroprozessorgesteuerten Regeleinrichtung MCU werden über Schalter S1 und S2 die Magnetleisten 33, 34, 37 und 38 angesteuert. Die Ansteuerung der Magnetleistenpaare erfolgt derart, daß sich die Magnetleisten 33 und 34 bzw. 37 und 38 wechselweise an die entsprechenden Kanäle 29 bzw. 17 anlegen. Dies geschieht z. B. bezüglich der Zuführung des Entwicklergemisches im Bereich des Vorratsbehälters 28 dadurch, daß zunächst die in Flußrichtung des Entwicklergemisches erste magnetische Leiste 33 abgeschwenkt wird womit in den Zuführungskanal 29 Entwicklergemisch eindringt. Dieses Entwicklergemisch staut sich an der angeschwenkten Magnetleiste 34. Danach wird wiederum die erste Magnetleiste 33 angeschwenkt und die zweite Magnetleiste 34 abgeschwenkt. Das im Zuführungskanal 29 gestaute Entwicklergemisch kann damit in den eigentlichen Gemischbehälter 30 fallen. Durch diese Art der Zuführung ist eine dosierte Zugabe von frischem Entwicklergemisch möglich.The magnetic strips 33, 34, 37 and 38 are controlled by a microprocessor-controlled control device MCU via switches S1 and S2. The magnetic strip pairs are controlled in such a way that the magnetic strips 33 and 34 or 37 and 38 alternately contact the corresponding channels 29 and 17. This happens e.g. B. with regard to the supply of the developer mixture in the region of the storage container 28 in that first the magnetic strip 33 is pivoted down in the direction of flow of the developer mixture, thus penetrating into the feed channel 29 developer mixture. This developer mixture builds up on the swiveled-in magnetic strip 34. The first magnetic strip 33 is then swiveled in again and the second magnetic strip 34 swiveled out. The developer mixture stowed in the feed channel 29 can thus fall into the actual mixture container 30. This type of feed enables a metered addition of fresh developer mixture.

Nach dem gleichen Prinzip wird das Entwicklergemisch aus der Entwicklerstation entnommen und dem Luftsammler 21 zugeführt.According to the same principle, the developer mixture is removed from the developer station and fed to the air collector 21.

Erfindungsgemäß steuert die mikroprozessorgesteuerte Regeleinrichtung MCU den Zugang und den Abfluß von Entwicklergemisch zur Entwicklerstation so, daß in verhältnismäßig kurzen Zeitabschnitten kleine Mengen des in der Entwicklerstation vorhandenen Gemisches über die Magnetleisten 37 und 38 entnommen wird und daß diese Gemischmengen jeweils dann durch gleiche neue Gemischmengen aus dem Vorratsbehälter 28 über die Magnetleisten 33 und 34 ersetzt werden.According to the microprocessor-controlled control device MCU controls the access and the outflow of developer mixture to the developer station in such a way that small amounts of the mixture present in the developer station are removed via the magnetic strips 37 and 38 in relatively short time intervals and that these mixture amounts are then in each case replaced by the same new mixture amounts from the Storage container 28 are replaced via the magnetic strips 33 and 34.

Abhängig von der entnommenen Ausgangsmenge der Austauschmenge und der Betätigungszeit, in welcher die Austauschmenge ersetzt wird, stellt sich ein gewünschter mittlerer Alterszustand des Entwicklergemisches ein.Depending on the initial quantity of the exchange quantity taken and the actuation time in which the exchange quantity is replaced, a desired average age of the developer mixture is established.

Dabei läßt sich der mittlere Alterszustand nach der Faustformel berechnen :The average age can be calculated using the rule of thumb:

Mittlerer Alterszustand (Tage) = Gesamtmischmenge/Wechselmenge/Tag.Average age (days) = total mixed quantity / changing quantity / day.

Um diesen quasi kontinuierlichen Gemischwechsel besser überwachen zu können, ist im Gemischbehälter 30 ein Sensor SN angeordnet, der z. B. Bestandteil einer Lichtschranke sein kann oder als kapazitiver oder induktiver Sensor oder als Ultraschallsensor ausgebildet sein kann. Dieser Sensor ist notwendig, weil die zugeführte und abgeführte Gemischmenge in der Praxis nie 100 % gleich eingestellt werden kann. Die mikroprozessorgesteuerte Regeleinheit MCU regelt nun in Abhängigkeit von dem durch den Sensor SN erfaßten Pegelstand des Entwicklergemisches im Gemischbehälter 30 die Zuführung des Entwicklergemisches durch den Zuführkanal 29 und das Entleeren des Entwicklergemisches über den Flachkanal 17 derart, daß sich ein gleichmäßiger Pegelstand im Gemischbehälter 30 des Entwicklergemisches einstellt.In order to be able to better monitor this quasi-continuous mixture change, a sensor SN is arranged in the mixture container 30. B. can be part of a light barrier or can be designed as a capacitive or inductive sensor or as an ultrasonic sensor. This sensor is necessary because, in practice, the quantity of mixture supplied and discharged can never be set 100% the same. The microprocessor-controlled control unit MCU now regulates the supply of the Ent in dependence on the level of the developer mixture in the mixture container 30 detected by the sensor SN winder mixture through the feed channel 29 and the emptying of the developer mixture via the flat channel 17 in such a way that a uniform level is established in the mixture container 30 of the developer mixture.

Durch den nach gewisser Zeit gleichbleibenden mittleren Alterszustand des Gemisches infolge des kontinuierlichen Gemischaustausches ergibt sich eine gleichmäßig gute Druckqualität. Einige Probleme mit Entwicklergemischen, die bei üblichen Entwicklerstationen auftreten, bei denen das Entwicklergemisch nach Ende einer bestimmten Lebensdauer ausgewechselt wird, fallen weg, da diese Probleme besonders im letzten Lebensdauerbereich entstehen. Dazu zählen insbesondere Geräteverschmutzung durch hohe Tonerkonzentration. Volumenerhöhung des Entwicklers und die damit verbundene Entwicklertransportprobleme in der Entwicklerstation. Durch den kontinuierlichen Gemischwechsel ist es möglich, die Tonerkonzentration im Gemisch konstant zu halten ohne daß sie bei Alterung einer besonderen Nachregelung bedarf. Der Entwicklergesamtaustausch und die damit verbundenen Ausfallszeiten für das Gerät erfolgen nur in großen Zeitabständen.Due to the fact that the average age of the mixture remains constant after a certain time as a result of the continuous mixture exchange, the print quality is uniformly good. Some problems with developer mixtures, which occur in conventional developer stations, in which the developer mixture is replaced after the end of a certain service life, are eliminated, since these problems arise particularly in the last service life range. This particularly includes device contamination due to high toner concentration. Volume increase of the developer and the associated developer transport problems in the developer station. Due to the continuous change of mixture it is possible to keep the toner concentration in the mixture constant without the need for special readjustment in the event of aging. The overall developer exchange and the associated downtimes for the device take place only at long intervals.

Gestaltet man den Vorratsbereich 28 als austauschbaren Vorratsbehälter, so kann der Austausch während des Druckbetriebes erfolgen. Die gesamte Entwicklerstation wird auf ein minimales Volumen verkleinert, weil die großen Entwicklermengen, die ansonsten für längere Wartungsintervalle notwendig wären, wegfallen.If the storage area 28 is designed as an exchangeable storage container, the exchange can take place during the printing operation. The entire developer station is reduced to a minimum volume because the large amounts of developer that would otherwise be required for longer maintenance intervals are eliminated.

Mit der mikroprozessorgesteuerten Regeleinrichtung MCU wird über den kontinuierlichen Gemischwechsei der Tonerverbrauch nach Kriterien wie Betriebsstunden und Tonerverbrauch gesteuert.With the microprocessor-controlled control unit MCU, the toner consumption is controlled according to criteria such as operating hours and toner consumption via the continuous mixture change.

Mit den wechselweise ansteuerbaren Magnetleisten wird eine feine Dosierung des Entwicklergemisches, sowohl bei der Zuführung als auch beim Entleeren möglich.With the alternately controllable magnetic strips, a fine dosage of the developer mixture is possible, both when feeding and when emptying.

Wie bereits hinsichtlich der Ausführungsbeispiele der Fig. 1 und 2 beschrieben, können anstelle der abschwenkbaren Magnetleisten 33, 34, 37 und 38 auch Elektromagneten angeordnet werden, die wechselweise ansteuerbar sind.As already described with regard to the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2, instead of the pivotable magnetic strips 33, 34, 37 and 38, electromagnets can also be arranged which can be controlled alternately.

Claims (10)

1. Device for purging a developer mixture (13) containing a magnetic component from a developer unit (10) of a non-mechanical printing or copying machine, the developer unit (10) having at the base a channel-shaped exhaust opening (17) extending across the width of the developer unit, characterized in that next to the exhaust opening (17) there is located a magnetic closing device (18) which is constructed in such a way that in the activated state its magnetic field forms in the region of the exhaust opening (17) a plug of developer mixture (13) that closes the exhaust opening, and which in the deactivated state releases the exhaust opening (17), and in that a suction device (26) is provided downstream of the exhaust opening.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the closing device has a magnetic strip (18) extending across the width of the exhaust opening (17).
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the magnetic strip (18) is designed as a permanent magnetic strip, and is designed to be swung in and out at the exhaust opening (17).
4. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the magnetic strip (17) is designed as an electromagnet.
5. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the suction device (26) has a cylindrical or conical air collector (21) extending across the width of the exhaust opening (17) and with a downstream exhauster (26).
6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized by a collecting vessel (24) for the developer mixture (13) having an associated cyclone extractor (23) through which the air-developer mixture flows.
7. Device according to one of Claims 5 or 6, characterized by a micro-filter (25) fitted upstream of the exhauster (26).
8. Process for renewing a developer mixture (13) containing a magnetic component in a developer unit (10) of a non-mechanical printing or copying machine by the use of a device according to Claim 1, characterized by the following features :
a) under the control of a magnetic closing device (37, 38) small amounts of developer mixture (13) are extracted from the developer unit (10) at predeterminable time intervals in order to achieve a continuous exchange of mixture ;
b) under the control of a further magnetic closing device (33, 34) the amounts of new developer mixture corresponding to the extracted amounts are fed to the developer unit (10) at predeterminable time intervals from a storage vessel (28).
9. Process according to Claim 8, characterized in that the level of the developer mixture is detected by a sensor (SN), and in that a control device (MCU, S1, S2) is provided which controls the magnetic closing devices (33, 34, 37, 38) in accordance with the departures in the level of the developer mixture.
10. Device according to one of Claims 1 or 8, characterized in that in each case the magnetic closing devices have at least two magnetic elements (33, 34 ; 37, 38), which can be actuated separately and which are arranged at a distance from one another.
EP86112151A 1985-10-09 1986-09-02 Device for purging a developer mixture containing a magnetic component from the developer unit of a non-mechanical printing or copying machine Expired EP0221281B1 (en)

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US4439034A (en) * 1982-12-20 1984-03-27 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for purging a copier developer
GB2150052B (en) * 1983-11-24 1987-05-28 Ricoh Kk Developer supply system for electrophotographic copier
JPS60201374A (en) * 1984-03-27 1985-10-11 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Toner recovering device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS6292968A (en) 1987-04-28
EP0221281A1 (en) 1987-05-13
DE3661335D1 (en) 1989-01-05
US4932355A (en) 1990-06-12

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