A toner delivery apparatus having a make-up air port

Abstract

This disclosure relates to the field of toner processing technology. One embodiment of this disclosure provides a toner transport device with an air inlet, comprising: a transport pipe, an inlet hood at the upper end of the transport pipe, a transport inlet assembly disposed on the transport pipe, and an outlet filter assembly disposed at the lower end of the transport pipe; the transport inlet assembly includes a blocking plate, the output end of a suction motor passes through a mounting plate and is inserted into the interior of an elbow pipe, the output end of the suction motor is provided with an extension shaft, and suction blades are disposed on the extension shaft. This technical solution solves the problems of existing technologies where a corrugated pipe is used to form a transport path and a rotator is used to shake off toner from the corrugated pipe, making it difficult to completely prevent toner retention and solidification, and problems still easily occur even at locations far from the rotator; the use of a spring stirrer in the vertical transport path easily causes toner to remain or solidify on its surface; and the technical problem that controlling the toner transport volume would complicate the structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to the field of toner processing technology, and more specifically, to a toner transport device with an air inlet. Background Technology

[0002] In imaging devices that use toner, such as copiers and laser printers, the toner transport device is crucial, as its performance affects the overall working efficiency and print quality of the device.

[0003] Existing toner transport devices have many problems. On the one hand, toner particles have become finer, resulting in poorer flowability and making them prone to stagnation and solidification in the transport path. For example, when the ink cartridge is placed above the developing unit to form a vertical transport path, or when the toner inlet is tilted relative to the direction of gravity, the toner is difficult to slide down smoothly. Even in a normal vertical path, transport may be obstructed. On the other hand, toner is prone to clumping during storage and transport, which further increases the difficulty of transport and affects the uniform supply of toner.

[0004] Although some measures have been taken to solve the toner transport problem, they all have limitations. For example, using a corrugated tube to form a transport path and a rotator to shake the toner off the corrugated tube makes it difficult to completely prevent toner retention and solidification, and problems are still likely to occur even when the toner is far from the rotator. Setting a spring stirrer in the vertical transport path can also cause toner to remain or solidify on its surface. Controlling the amount of toner transported would make the structure more complicated.

[0005] In addition, some existing toner production and conveying devices may cause some toner to fly into the air and combine with the air during toner feeding. If the gas produced is inhaled by workers, it will pose a threat to their health.

[0006] In summary, existing toner transport devices have shortcomings in terms of toner transport convenience, prevention of toner clumping, avoidance of toner retention and solidification, and environmental safety. A new toner transport device is needed to improve these problems, enhance the efficiency and stability of toner transport, and ensure a safe and hygienic working environment. This toner transport device with an air supply vent is designed to solve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a toner transport device with an air supply inlet, which solves the problems in the prior art where the transport path is formed by a corrugated pipe and the toner is shaken off by a rotator, which makes it difficult to completely prevent toner retention and solidification, and problems are still likely to occur even when the toner is far from the rotator; setting a spring stirrer in the vertical transport path can easily cause toner to remain or solidify on its surface; and solving the problem by controlling the amount of toner transport would make the structure more complicated.

[0008] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a toner transport device with an air supply inlet, comprising: A transfer pipe, wherein a feed hood is provided at the upper end of the transfer pipe; A feed assembly is disposed on the feed pipe; A discharge filter assembly is disposed at the lower end of the transmission pipe; The conveying and feeding assembly includes a blocking plate disposed on the side wall of the conveying pipe. A blower is disposed on the blocking plate, and the output end of the blower is inserted into the blocking plate. A drive sleeve is disposed at the end of the blower, and air supply blades are disposed on the side wall of the drive sleeve. An elbow is disposed at the end of the conveying pipe, and a mounting frame is disposed on the side wall of the elbow. A mounting plate is disposed at the end of the mounting frame, and a suction motor is disposed on the mounting plate. The output end of the suction motor passes through the mounting plate and is inserted into the interior of the elbow. An extension shaft is disposed at the output end of the suction motor, and suction blades are disposed on the extension shaft.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the feeding hood is connected to the transmission pipe, and an output motor is provided on the side wall of the feeding hood. The output end of the output motor is inserted into the feeding hood, and a crushing sleeve is fitted on the output end of the output motor. The side wall of the crushing sleeve is provided with crushing fragments.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the discharge filter assembly includes an extension tube, which is inserted into the elbow tube. A filter sleeve is fitted on the extension tube, and a collection bucket is provided on the lower end face of the filter sleeve. An air outlet groove is opened on the upper end face of the collection bucket, and an air outlet mesh plate is provided on the air outlet groove.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the side wall of the filter sleeve has filter mesh holes, and the interior of the filter sleeve is provided with an inclined filter plate.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the number of inclined filter plates is several, and the multiple inclined filter plates are arranged longitudinally and crosswise inside the filter sleeve.

[0013] As a further technical solution, the sidewall of the suction blade is provided with a scraper, the outer sidewall of the scraper has an arc-shaped structure, and the scraper is in contact with the inner wall of the transmission pipe.

[0014] As a further technical solution, the number of the crushing sleeves is several, and the multiple crushing sleeves are equidistantly mounted on the output end of the output motor. The output end of the output motor is movably connected to the inner sidewall of the feed hood through a bearing.

[0015] As a further technical solution, the suction motor and the mounting plate are fixed and screwed together by bolts.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows: 1. In this disclosure, the equipment supplies air into the transmission pipe through the blower and air supply blades in the transmission feeding assembly. At the same time, the suction motor at the elbow pipe drives the suction blades to form suction. The synergistic effect of air supply and suction can form a stable airflow channel in the transmission pipe, effectively overcoming the problem of poor flowability caused by the fine particles of toner, and preventing toner from being stuck or accumulating in the transmission path. In addition, the output motor in the feeding hood drives the crushing sleeve and crushing fragments to rotate, which can break up the clumps of toner, further ensuring that the toner is transmitted in a loose state, thereby improving the overall transmission efficiency and smoothness.

[0017] 2. In this disclosure, the filter sleeve in the discharge filter assembly is equipped with filter mesh and multiple longitudinally intersecting inclined filter plates, which can perform multi-layer filtration of the toner after transmission, so that the toner falls more fully into the collection bucket, while the gas is discharged through the air outlet duct and air outlet mesh plate. This design not only improves the toner collection efficiency, but also reduces toner flying, reduces the threat to the health of workers caused by the gas generated by the combination of toner and air, and enhances the environmental protection and safety of the equipment during use. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission pipe disclosed herein; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the collection bucket disclosed herein; Figure 4 This is a side view of the fragmentation disclosed herein; In the diagram: 1. Conveyor pipe; 2. Feed hood; 3. Conveyor feeding assembly; 3-1. Blocking plate; 3-2. Blower; 3-3. Drive sleeve; 3-4. Blower blades; 3-5. Elbow pipe; 3-6. Mounting frame; 3-7. Mounting tray; 3-8. Suction motor; 3-9. Extension shaft; 3-10. Suction blades; 3-11. Output motor; 3-12. Crushing sleeve; 3-13. Crushing fragments; 4. Discharge filter assembly; 4-1. Extension pipe; 4-2. Filter sleeve; 4-3. Collection bucket; 4-4. Air outlet duct; 4-5. Air outlet mesh plate; 4-6. Filter mesh; 4-7. Inclined filter plate; 5. Scraper. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the disclosure; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0022] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0025] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] like Figures 1-4 As shown, it illustrates a toner transport device with a makeup air inlet according to this disclosure, comprising: The upper end of the transmission pipe 1 is provided with a feed hood 2; The feed assembly 3 is mounted on the feed pipe 1; The discharge filter assembly 4 is located at the lower end of the transmission pipe 1; The feeding assembly 3 includes a blocking plate 3-1, which is set on the side wall of the transmission pipe 1. A blower 3-2 is installed on the blocking plate 3-1, and the output end of the blower 3-2 is inserted into the blocking plate 3-1. A drive sleeve 3-3 is installed at the end of the blower 3-2, and a blower blade 3-4 is installed on the side wall of the drive sleeve 3-3. An elbow pipe 3-5 is installed at the end of the transmission pipe 1, and a mounting frame 3-6 is installed on the side wall of the elbow pipe 3-5. A mounting plate 3-7 is installed at the end of the mounting frame 3-6, and a suction motor 3-8 is installed on the mounting plate 3-7. The output end of the suction motor 3-8 passes through the mounting plate 3-7 and is inserted into the interior of the elbow pipe 3-5. An extension shaft 3-9 is installed at the output end of the suction motor 3-8, and a suction blade 3-10 is installed on the extension shaft 3-9.

[0027] The discharge filter assembly 4 includes an extension pipe 4-1, which is inserted into the elbow pipe 3-5. A filter sleeve 4-2 is fitted on the extension pipe 4-1. A collection bucket 4-3 is provided on the lower end face of the filter sleeve 4-2. An air outlet groove 4-4 is opened on the upper end face of the collection bucket 4-3. An air outlet mesh plate 4-5 is provided on the air outlet groove 4-4.

[0028] In some examples, the feed hood 2 is installed at the upper end of the transmission pipe 1 to ensure good communication between the two. A blocking plate 3-1 is installed on the side wall of the transmission pipe 1, and the blower 3-2 is fixed on the blocking plate 3-1. The output end of the blower 3-2 is inserted into the blocking plate 3-1, and a drive sleeve 3-3 is installed at the end. The blower blades 3-4 are installed on the side wall of the drive sleeve 3-3. An extension shaft 3-9 and a suction blade 3-10 are installed at the output end. At the same time, it is ensured that the outer side wall of the scraper 5 on the side wall of the suction blade 3-10 is arc-shaped and fits against the inner wall of the transmission pipe 1. The extension pipe 4-1 is inserted into the elbow pipe 3-5. A filter sleeve 4-2 is fitted on the extension pipe 4-1. A collection bucket 4-3 is placed on the lower end face of the filter sleeve 4-2. An air outlet groove 4-4 is opened on the upper end face of the collection bucket 4-3 and an air outlet mesh plate 4-5 is installed. A filter mesh hole 4-6 is opened on the side wall of the filter sleeve 4-2, and several inclined filter plates 4-7 are arranged longitudinally and crosswise inside.

[0029] Start the air supply fan 3-2 on the blockage plate 3-1. The air supply fan 3-2 drives the air supply blades 3-4 to rotate through the drive sleeve 3-3, supplying air into the transmission pipe 1 and pushing the toner downward in the transmission pipe 1. At the same time, start the suction motor 3-8 at the elbow pipe 3-5. The suction motor 3-8 drives the suction blades 3-10 to rotate through the extension shaft 3-9, forming a certain negative pressure in the elbow pipe 3-5 and the transmission pipe 1 to assist the toner transmission.

[0030] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the feed hood 2 is connected to the transmission pipe 1. The side wall of the feed hood 2 is provided with an output motor 3-11. The output end of the output motor 3-11 is inserted into the feed hood 2. The output end of the output motor 3-11 is fitted with a crushing sleeve 3-12. The side wall of the crushing sleeve 3-12 is provided with crushing fragments 3-13.

[0031] In some examples, an output motor 3-11 is installed on the side wall of the feed hood 2, with the output end of the output motor 3-11 inserted into the feed hood 2. Several crushing sleeves 3-12 are equidistantly fitted onto the output end of the output motor 3-11. The output end of the output motor 3-11 is movably connected to the inner side wall of the feed hood 2 via bearings. Crushing fragments 3-13 are installed on the side wall of the crushing sleeves 3-12.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the side wall of the filter sleeve 4-2 has filter mesh holes 4-6, and the interior of the filter sleeve 4-2 is provided with an inclined filter plate 4-7.

[0033] In some examples, after the toner passes through the transmission pipe 1 to the elbow pipe 3-5, it enters the filter sleeve 4-2 through the extension pipe 4-1, and the filtered air is discharged through the air outlet mesh plate 4-5 of the air outlet slot 4-4 on the upper end of the collection bucket 4-3.

[0034] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are several inclined filter plates 4-7, and multiple inclined filter plates 4-7 are longitudinally and crosswise arranged inside the filter sleeve 4-2.

[0035] In some examples, the toner is filtered inside the filter sleeve 4-2 through the filter mesh 4-6 on the side wall and the inclined filter plate 4-7 that runs longitudinally inside. Larger particles or clumps of toner are filtered out and left inside the filter sleeve 4-2, while finer toner particles fall into the collection bucket 4-3 below.

[0036] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the side wall of the suction blade 3-10 is provided with a scraper 5. The outer side wall of the scraper 5 has an arc-shaped structure, and the scraper 5 is in contact with the inner wall of the transmission pipe 1.

[0037] In some examples, the scraper 5 on the sidewall of the suction blades 3-10 can scrape off toner that may adhere to the inner wall of the transmission tube 1 during rotation, ensuring smooth transmission.

[0038] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, there are several crushing sleeves 3-12, and multiple crushing sleeves 3-12 are equidistantly mounted on the output end of the output motor 3-11. The output end of the output motor 3-11 is movably connected to the inner wall of the feed hood 2 through a bearing.

[0039] In some examples, toner enters from the feed hood 2, and the output motor 3-11 on the side wall of the feed hood 2 is activated. The output motor 3-11 drives the crushing sleeve 3-12 and the crushing fragments 3-13 to rotate, breaking up any possible toner clumps for easier subsequent transport.

[0040] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the suction motor 3-8 and the mounting plate 3-7 are connected by bolts.

[0041] In some examples, an elbow pipe 3-5 is connected to the end of the transmission pipe 1, a mounting bracket 3-6 is installed on the side wall of the elbow pipe 3-5, a mounting plate 3-7 is fixed at the end of the mounting bracket 3-6, and a suction motor 3-8 is fixed to the mounting plate 3-7 with bolts, so that the output end of the suction motor 3-8 passes through the mounting plate 3-7 and is inserted into the elbow pipe 3-5.

[0042] When in use, after the blower 3-2 on the block plate 3-1 is started, it drives the air supply blades 3-4 on the side wall to rotate at high speed through the drive sleeve 3-3, injecting high-pressure airflow into the transmission pipe 1. This airflow forms a positive thrust, pushing the toner from the upper end to the lower end of the transmission pipe 1. It is the main power source for the longitudinal transmission of toner in the transmission pipe 1. The airflow of the blower 3-2 also plays a "make-up air" role, avoiding insufficient airflow in the transmission pipe 1 due to toner accumulation or excessive negative pressure, maintaining the air pressure balance in the pipe, and ensuring transmission stability.

[0043] The suction motor 3-8 at the elbow 3-5 drives the suction blades 3-10 to rotate via the extension shaft 3-9, forming a negative pressure area at the end of the elbow 3-5 and the transmission pipe 1. This negative pressure, combined with the positive airflow of the supply fan 3-2, forms a "push forward and suck back" power combination, accelerating the movement of toner towards the elbow 3-5. Especially at the bend of the transmission pipe 1 (elbow 3-5), it enhances the toner delivery efficiency. The arc-shaped scraper 5 on the side wall of the suction blades 3-10 fits against the inner wall of the transmission pipe 1. When rotating, it can scrape off the toner adhering to the pipe wall, preventing toner accumulation and blockage. At the same time, it further promotes the flow of toner through mechanical agitation.

[0044] Before the toner enters the transmission pipe 1 from the feed hood 2, the output motor 3-11 on the side wall drives the crushing sleeve 3-12 and the crushing fragments 3-13 to rotate at high speed. The crushing fragments 3-13 are radially distributed and use centrifugal force to impact and shear the toner, breaking up the clumps of toner into fine particles. This prevents transmission blockage or uneven feeding caused by toner clumping. Multiple crushing sleeves 3-12 are equidistantly mounted on the shaft of the output motor 3-11 to expand the crushing range and improve crushing efficiency, ensuring that the toner particles entering the transmission pipe 1 are uniform. After the toner enters the elbow pipe 3-5 with the airflow, it enters the filter sleeve 4-2 through the extension pipe 4-1. The filter sleeve 4- The filter mesh 4-6 on the side wall can initially intercept larger toner particles or impurities, while finer toner particles fall through the mesh. Several inclined filter plates 4-7 arranged longitudinally inside the filter sleeve 4-2 form a tortuous airflow channel. When toner particles pass through, due to gravity and changes in airflow direction, larger particles or incompletely broken clumps are intercepted by the filter plates, while fine particles continue to fall, achieving a "multi-stage filtration" effect. The purpose of the inclined angle: The angle design of the inclined filter plates 4-7 allows the intercepted toner to slide down the plate surface, avoiding accumulation and clogging, while extending the residence time of toner in the filter sleeve 4-2 and improving filtration accuracy.

[0045] The filtered fine toner particles fall into the lower collection bucket 4-3, completing the discharge process. The airflow generated during the filtration process is discharged through the air outlet slot 4-4 and the air outlet screen 4-5 at the upper end of the collection bucket 4-3. The air outlet screen 4-5 can prevent toner from leaking out with the airflow, ensuring the airtightness and environmental friendliness of the equipment operation.

[0046] The positive airflow from the blower 3-2 and the negative pressure from the suction motor 3-8 form a "push-pull" dynamic field, overcoming the gravity of toner and the resistance of the pipe wall to achieve long-distance, high-efficiency transmission. The crushing component pre-treats the toner to avoid transmission blockage; the filtration component ensures the purity of the output. The three components work together through airflow and mechanical structure to form a complete working chain of "feeding-crushing-transmission-filtration-discharge". The supplementary airflow from the blower 3-2 and the negative pressure from the suction motor 3-8 mutually regulate each other to maintain stable air pressure in the transmission pipe 1 and prevent toner deposition or backflow due to air pressure fluctuations.

[0047] This equipment utilizes a combined power mode of "pneumatic transmission + mechanical assistance," along with crushing pretreatment and a multi-stage filtration structure, to achieve fully automated processing of toner from feeding to discharging. It features high transmission efficiency, resistance to clogging, and high filtration accuracy, making it suitable for scenarios requiring continuous toner delivery (such as toner supply systems for printers and copiers).

[0048] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A toner transport device with an air supply inlet, characterized in that, include: A transfer pipe (1) is provided with a feed hood (2) at its upper end; A feed assembly (3) is disposed on the feed pipe (1); The discharge filter assembly (4) is disposed at the lower end of the transmission pipe (1); The conveying and feeding assembly (3) includes a blocking plate (3-1), which is disposed on the side wall of the conveying pipe (1). A blower (3-2) is disposed on the blocking plate (3-1), the output end of which is inserted into the blocking plate (3-1). A drive sleeve (3-3) is disposed at the end of the blower (3-2), and air supply blades (3-4) are disposed on the side wall of the drive sleeve (3-3). An elbow pipe (3-5) is disposed at the end of the conveying pipe (1). The side wall of the elbow pipe (3-5) is provided with a mounting frame (3-6), and the end of the mounting frame (3-6) is provided with a mounting plate (3-7). The mounting plate (3-7) is provided with a suction motor (3-8). The output end of the suction motor (3-8) passes through the mounting plate (3-7) and is inserted into the interior of the elbow pipe (3-5). The output end of the suction motor (3-8) is provided with an extension shaft (3-9), and the extension shaft (3-9) is provided with suction blades (3-10).

2. The toner transport device with an air supply inlet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed hood (2) is connected to the transmission pipe (1). The side wall of the feed hood (2) is provided with an output motor (3-11). The output end of the output motor (3-11) is inserted into the feed hood (2). The output end of the output motor (3-11) is fitted with a crushing sleeve (3-12). The side wall of the crushing sleeve (3-12) is provided with crushing fragments (3-13).

3. The toner transport device with an air supply inlet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge filter assembly (4) includes an extension tube (4-1), which is inserted into the elbow tube (3-5). A filter sleeve (4-2) is fitted on the extension tube (4-1). A collection bucket (4-3) is provided on the lower end face of the filter sleeve (4-2). An air outlet groove (4-4) is opened on the upper end face of the collection bucket (4-3). An air outlet mesh plate (4-5) is provided on the air outlet groove (4-4).

4. A toner transport device with an air supply inlet according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter sleeve (4-2) has filter mesh holes (4-6) on its side wall, and an inclined filter plate (4-7) is provided inside the filter sleeve (4-2).

5. A toner transport device with an air supply inlet according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of inclined filter plates (4-7) is several, and multiple inclined filter plates (4-7) are longitudinally and crosswise arranged inside the filter sleeve (4-2).

6. A toner transport device with an air supply inlet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall of the suction blade (3-10) is provided with a scraper (5), the outer sidewall of the scraper (5) is an arc-shaped structure, and the scraper (5) is in contact with the inner wall of the transmission pipe (1).

7. A toner transport device with an air supply inlet according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the crushing sleeves (3-12) is several, and the multiple crushing sleeves (3-12) are equidistantly fitted on the output end of the output motor (3-11). The output end of the output motor (3-11) is movably connected to the inner side wall of the feed hood (2) through a bearing.

8. A toner transport device with an air supply inlet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction motor (3-8) and the mounting plate (3-7) are connected by bolts.

Images