Powder removal device, cleaning device, and powder removal method

Abstract

This method suppresses nozzle clogging when removing powder from a container by suction, compared to removing powder by simply bringing the nozzle close to the powder. [Solution] The powder removal device 100 includes a nozzle 110 inserted into a toner bottle 50 having a bottom 54 to suck up toner TA, a first moving unit 120 that moves the nozzle 110 up and down with the toner bottle 50 with the bottom 54 facing downwards, and a control device 30 that moves the nozzle 110 closer to the bottom 54 by repeatedly performing an approaching operation in which the first moving unit 120 brings the nozzle 110 relatively closer to the toner TA, and an separating operation in which, after the approaching operation, the nozzle 110 is moved relatively further away from the toner TA.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder removal device, a cleaning device, and a powder removal method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a powder storage container cleaning device and a powder storage container cleaning method, which include a gas blowing part having a gas outlet at the tip and a suction part having a suction port at the tip, and the outlet and the suction port move inside the container at least independently. The outlet is arranged around the suction part, and the amount of gas blown out from the outlet is less than the amount of gas sucked by the suction port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When sucking and removing powder in a container with a nozzle, the nozzle may become clogged.

[0005] The problem of the present invention is to suppress clogging of the nozzle when sucking and removing powder in the container with a nozzle, as compared with the case of sucking and removing by only the approaching operation of approaching the nozzle to the powder.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first embodiment is a powder removal device comprising: a nozzle inserted into a container having a bottom for sucking up powder inside the container; a first moving unit that moves the nozzle vertically relative to the container with the bottom facing downwards; and a first control unit that moves the nozzle closer to the bottom while the first moving unit repeatedly performs an approaching operation that brings the nozzle relatively closer to the powder, and an separating operation that moves the nozzle relatively away from the powder after the approaching operation.

[0007] The second embodiment is a powder removal device according to the first embodiment, wherein multiple approach positions for approaching the powder in the approach operation are set in advance at intervals in the vertical direction, and the device has a selection unit that selects the approach position closest to the powder in the container before suction, and the first control unit performs the repeated operation sequentially from the approach position selected by the selection unit toward the approach positions below.

[0008] The third embodiment is the powder removal apparatus according to the second embodiment, wherein the first control unit performs the approach operation multiple times at the lowest approach position.

[0009] The fourth aspect is a powder removal device according to the second aspect, wherein the first moving part holds the container and moves it relative to the nozzle in the vertical direction, and the first control unit releases the first moving part from holding the container after the approaching movement is completed at the lowest approaching position.

[0010] The fifth embodiment comprises a powder removal device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein a partially narrowed constriction is formed at the bottom end of the container to suck and remove powder from inside the container, and a dry cleaning device having a dry cleaning jig that is inserted into the container with the bottom facing downwards from which the powder has been removed by the powder removal device, and dry cleaning the inside of the container, wherein the dry cleaning jig comprises a suction tube for sucking gas from inside the container, a discharge tube provided inside the suction tube with its tip protruding from the opening of the suction tube for ejecting gas into the container, an auxiliary chamber provided at the tip of the discharge tube, a first discharge port formed on the bottom surface of the auxiliary chamber, and a shape around the first discharge port on the bottom surface. A cleaning device comprising: a second nozzle formed thereon; a cylindrical portion inserted into the first nozzle; a lower flange provided at the lower part of the cylindrical portion and extending outward from the constricted portion and the first nozzle; and an upper flange provided at the upper part of the cylindrical portion, larger than the constricted portion and overlapping the second nozzle; a cleaning device comprising: a second moving portion that moves the dry cleaning jig relatively in the vertical direction relative to the container; and a second control portion that, using the second moving portion, brings the dry cleaning jig relatively close to the constricted portion until the lower flange contacts the constricted portion of the container and a gap is formed between the upper flange and the bottom surface of the auxiliary chamber, and then moves the dry cleaning jig relatively away from the constricted portion.

[0011] The sixth aspect is a method for removing powder, comprising repeatedly performing an approaching operation, in which a nozzle inserted into a container having a bottom is brought relatively close to the powder, and after the approaching operation, an separating operation, in which the nozzle is moved relatively away from the powder, while bringing the nozzle closer to the bottom to remove the powder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the first embodiment of the powder removal device, compared to the case where powder is removed by suction only by an approaching motion of bringing the nozzle close to the powder in the container, nozzle clogging is suppressed.

[0013] According to the powder removal device of the second embodiment, control is easier compared to the case where the approach position is set for each approach operation.

[0014] According to the powder removing device of the third aspect, the amount of powder remaining in the container is reduced as compared with the case where the approaching operation is performed only once at the lowest approaching position.

[0015] According to the powder removing device of the fourth aspect, the amount of powder remaining in the container is suppressed as compared with the case where the container is continuously held.

[0016] According to the cleaning device of the fifth aspect, the dry cleaning effect of the container having a constriction formed at the bottom is improved as compared with the case where the dry cleaning jig is composed of only a suction pipe and a jet pipe.

[0017] According to the powder removing method of the sixth aspect, clogging of the nozzle is suppressed as compared with the case where the powder is sucked and removed only by the approaching operation of approaching the nozzle to the powder in the container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a cleaning device of an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view of a toner bottle. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along the vertical direction of the toner bottle. [Figure 4] It is a front view of a state where the toner bottle of the main part of the powder removing device is in the initial position. [Figure 5] It is a front view of a state where the toner bottle of the main part of the powder removing device is in the uppermost position. [Figure 6] It is a process diagram showing a process of sucking and removing the toner remaining in the toner bottle by the powder removing device. [Figure 7] It is a process diagram showing a process of sucking and removing the toner remaining in the toner bottle by the powder removing device. [Figure 8] It is a front view of a state where the toner bottle of the main part of the dry cleaning device is in the initial position. [Figure 9] (A) is a cross-sectional view of a state where the toner bottle of the main part of the dry cleaning device is in the initial position, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of a state where the toner bottle is in the uppermost position. [Figure 10]It is a process diagram showing the process of dry-cleaning a toner bottle with a dry cleaning device. [Figure 11] (A) is a perspective view of a switching member of the dry cleaning device, and (B) is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the auxiliary chamber of the dry cleaning device. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of the cleaning device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] <Embodiment> A cleaning device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0020] Note that each drawing is only schematically shown. The dimensions, ratios, etc. of each element shown in the drawings may not necessarily match the actual ones. Also, among multiple drawings, the dimensions, ratios, and numbers of each element may not necessarily match. When it becomes difficult to view, the hatching representing the cross-section may be omitted.

[0021] In addition, descriptions of configurations not directly related to the present invention and well-known configurations may be omitted or simplified.

[0022] [Overview] First, the overview of the cleaning device will be described.

[0023] The cleaning device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for cleaning a toner bottle 50 as an example of a container. Specifically, the cleaning device 10 is a device that removes the toner TA remaining in the toner bottle 50 recovered from the market and then dry-cleans the toner bottle 50 to regenerate the toner bottle 50. The cleaning device 10 includes a control device 30 (see FIG. 12), a powder removal device 100, and a dry cleaning device 200. In addition, the cleaning device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a weight measuring device 20.

[0024] The weight measuring device 20 is a device for measuring the weight of toner bottles 50 collected from the market. The powder removal device 100 is a device for removing toner TA remaining in the toner bottles 50 collected from the market by suction. The dry cleaning device 200 is a device for dry cleaning of attached toner TB, etc., adhering to the inner wall 51 of the toner bottle 50. Note that toner is an example of powder.

[0025] The cleaning device 10 is configured such that the toner bottle 50 is transported and handed over in the following order to the weight measuring device 20, the powder removal device 100, and the dry cleaning device 200 by a transport device (not shown).

[0026] [Toner bottle] Next, the toner bottle of this embodiment will be described.

[0027] The toner bottle 50 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a container filled with toner and detachable from an image forming device such as an electrophotographic printer. The toner bottle 50 is a cylindrical, bottomed container with an opening 52 at one end and a bottom 54 at the other end. One end of the toner bottle 50 is narrowed to form the opening 52. In the cleaning device 10 (see Figure 1), the toner bottle 50 is transported and cleaned with its axial direction being vertical and with the opening 52 side facing upwards and the bottom 54 facing downwards.

[0028] A partially narrowed constricted portion 56 is formed at the bottom 54 end of the toner bottle 50. In this embodiment, the constricted portion 56 is provided for the user to grasp by hand when attaching or detaching the bottle from the image forming apparatus. As shown in Figure 3, the portion between the constricted portion 56 and the bottom 54 inside the toner bottle 50 is called the bottom chamber 60. The portion of the inner wall 51 of the toner bottle 50 surrounding the constricted portion 56 is called the outer edge portion 58.

[0029] As mentioned above, the toner bottle 50 in this embodiment has been collected and transported after being used in an image forming apparatus. Therefore, there may be toner remaining in the toner bottle 50, and the amount varies. A cap (not shown) is attached to the opening 52 of the toner bottle 50 that is being collected from the market. When the toner bottle 50 is cleaned with the cleaning device 10, the cap on the opening 52 is removed.

[0030] [Weight measuring device] Next, the weight measuring device 20 will be described.

[0031] The weight measuring device 20 shown in Figure 1 measures the weight of the collected toner bottles 50. Specifically, the weight measuring device 20 can use a commercially available load cell. As shown in Figure 1, the toner bottles 50 collected from the market contain toner TA and attached toner TB, but the amounts vary.

[0032] [Powder removal equipment] Next, I will explain the powder removal device.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the powder removal device 100 includes a nozzle 110, a first moving unit 120, and a sensor unit 130. The first moving unit 120 is controlled by a control device 30 (Figure 12), which will be described later as an example of a first control unit.

[0034] The nozzle 110 is cylindrical and fixed so that its axial direction is vertical. The lower end of the nozzle 110 is the suction port 112. A tube 102 is connected to the upper end of the nozzle 110, and the tube 102 is connected to a suction pump (not shown).

[0035] The first movable part 120 holds the toner bottle 50 in the vertical direction axially, with the opening 52 side facing upwards and the bottom 54 facing downwards, and moves it in the vertical direction. The first movable part 120 is capable of holding and releasing the toner bottle 50. Specifically, a pair of claws fixed to the first movable part 120 and movable in directions toward and toward each other allow the outer circumferential surface (side) of the toner bottle 50 to be gripped (held) or released from being gripped (held).

[0036] Figure 4 shows the toner bottle 50 in its initial position S1, and Figure 5 shows the toner bottle 50 in its uppermost position S6. When the first moving unit 120 moves the toner bottle 50 upward from the initial position S1 in Figure 4, as shown in Figure 5, the nozzle 110 is inserted through the opening 52 of the toner bottle 50, and the toner TA (see Figure 1) remaining in the toner bottle 50 is sucked up and removed by the nozzle 110. More precisely, some of the attached toner TB (see Figure 1) is also sucked up and removed.

[0037] The first moving part 120 has a detection part 122 that protrudes laterally. Specifically, the detection part 122 is a plate-shaped member made of metal or the like. The sensor part 130 has sensors 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction from bottom to top. Specifically, sensors 132A to D are photointerrupters in which a light-emitting element such as an LED and a light-receiving element such as a phototransistor are integrated. Sensor 132A is positioned to detect when the toner bottle 50 is located 160 mm above its initial position S1. Similarly, sensor 132B detects when the toner bottle 50 is located 220 mm above its initial position S1. Sensor 132C detects when the toner bottle 50 is located 280 mm above its initial position S1. And sensor 132D detects when the toner bottle 50 is located 340 mm above its initial position S1. Note that the uppermost position S6 is 400 mm above the initial position S1.

[0038] Furthermore, the position detected by sensor 132A on the toner bottle 50 is designated as position S2. Similarly, the position detected by sensor 132B on the toner bottle 50 is designated as position S3. The position detected by sensor 132C is designated as position S4. And the position detected by sensor 132D is designated as position S5. In addition, in order to determine the position of the toner bottle 50, it is desirable that equivalent or identical sensors, similar to sensors 132A to 132D, also be provided at positions S1 and S6. In this case, the position detected by the lowest sensor on the toner bottle 50 becomes position S1, and the position detected by the highest sensor on the toner bottle 50 becomes position S6.

[0039] Figures 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between the toner bottle 50 at positions S1 to S6 and the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110. Note that in Figures 6 and 7, the toner bottle 50 is simplified and schematically illustrated by omitting the constricted section 56, the bottom chamber 60, etc. Also, for clarity, these figures depict the toner bottle 50 as fixed and the nozzle 110 as moving vertically; however, in reality, the nozzle 110 is fixed and the toner bottle 50 moves vertically.

[0040] [Dry cleaning device] Next, we will explain the dry cleaning device 200.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the dry cleaning device 200 includes a dry cleaning jig 300 and a second moving unit 220. The second moving unit 220 is controlled by a control device 30 (see Figure 12), which will be described later as an example of a second control unit.

[0042] The second moving part 220 holds the toner bottle 50 in the vertical direction axially, with the opening 52 side facing upwards and the bottom 54 facing downwards, and moves it in the vertical direction. The second moving part 220 is capable of holding and releasing the toner bottle 50. Specifically, a pair of claws fixed to the second moving part 220 and movable in directions toward and toward each other allow the outer circumferential surface (side) of the toner bottle 50 to be gripped (held) or released from being gripped (held).

[0043] Figures 8 and 9(A) show the initial position of the toner bottle 50, and Figure 9(B) shows the uppermost position of the toner bottle 50. When the second moving part 220 (see Figure 8) moves the toner bottle 50 upward from the state shown in Figures 8 and 9(A), the dry cleaning jig 300 is inserted through the opening 52 of the toner bottle 50, as shown in Figure 9(B), and the toner bottle 50 is dry cleaned.

[0044] Note that the second moving part 220 is not shown in Figure 9. Also, for the sake of clarity, these figures show the toner bottle 50 fixed and the dry cleaning jig 300 moving vertically, but in reality, the dry cleaning jig 300 is fixed and the toner bottle 50 moves vertically.

[0045] (Dry cleaning jig) Next, I will explain the dry cleaning jig.

[0046] As shown in Figures 8, 9(A), and 9(B), the dry cleaning jig 300 has a double-pipe structure with a suction pipe 310 arranged vertically and a discharge pipe 320 provided vertically within the suction pipe 310. The tip 322 of the discharge pipe 320 protrudes from the suction port 312 at the lower end of the suction pipe 310. The upper end of the suction pipe 310 is connected to a suction pump (not shown).

[0047] The upper end of the discharge pipe 320 is connected to a supply pump (not shown) that supplies compressed air. The amount of compressed air supplied per unit time by the discharge pipe 320 is set to be less than the amount of air drawn in per unit time by the suction pipe 310. Note that air is an example of a gas.

[0048] An auxiliary chamber 400 is provided at the tip 322 of the ejection tube 320 that protrudes from the suction port 312 of the suction tube 310.

[0049] As shown in Figure 10, the auxiliary chamber 400 is configured with a side wall 402 and a ceiling portion 410 and a bottom portion 420 formed above and below the side wall 402. The side wall 402 is cylindrical. The ceiling portion 410 and the bottom portion 420 are disc-shaped.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, a circular inlet hole 412 is formed in the center of the ceiling portion 410 of the auxiliary chamber 400. The inlet hole 412 is a through-hole that connects the inside of the discharge pipe 320 to the inside of the auxiliary chamber 400. The tip portion 322 of the discharge pipe 320 is joined to the ceiling portion 410 so that its axis coincides with or approximately coincides with the inlet hole 412.

[0051] As shown in Figures 10 and 11(B), a first nozzle 422, which is a circular through-hole, is formed in the center of the bottom surface 420 of the auxiliary chamber 400. Multiple second nozzles 424 are formed around the first nozzle 422 in the bottom surface 420 in a ring shape, at similar, equal, or identical intervals. The second discharge ports 424 are circular through-holes with a smaller diameter than the first discharge ports. Note that in Figure 11(B), everything except the bottom surface 420 is shown with dashed lines. Also, the switching member 500 (see Figures 10 and 11(A)), which will be described later, is not shown.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, a switching member 500 (see Figure 11(A)) is mounted in the auxiliary chamber 400 so as to be movable vertically relative to the auxiliary chamber 400. As shown in Figures 10 and 11(A), the switching member 500 is composed of a cylindrical portion 510 and an upper flange 520 and a lower flange 522 provided above and below the cylindrical portion 510. The cylindrical portion 510 is a cylinder with a through hole 512 formed therein. The upper flange 520 and the lower flange 522 are disc-shaped. Circular through holes communicating with the inside of the cylindrical portion 510 are formed in the center of the upper flange 520 and the lower flange 522.

[0053] The cylindrical portion 510 of the switching member 500 is inserted into the first nozzle 422 (see Figure 11(B)) of the bottom portion 420 of the auxiliary chamber 400. The lower flange 522 (see Figure 11(A)) of the switching member 500 is located below the bottom portion 420 of the auxiliary chamber 400 and protrudes outward from the first nozzle 422 and the second discharge port 424.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, the upper flange 520 of the switching member 500 (see Figure 11(A)) is located above the bottom surface 420 of the auxiliary chamber 400 and is positioned within the auxiliary chamber 400. The outer diameters of the upper flange 520 and the lower flange 522 (see Figure 11(A)) are larger than the inner diameter of the constricted portion 56 and overlap the second nozzle 424 (see Figure 11(B)). In other words, when the upper flange 520 contacts the upper surface of the bottom surface 420, all of the second nozzles 424 can be closed. Similarly, when the lower flange 522 contacts the lower surface of the bottom surface 420, all of the second nozzles 424 can be closed. Furthermore, when the lower flange 522 contacts the outer edge 58, the bottom chamber 60 and the auxiliary chamber 400 can be connected using only the switching member 500.

[0055] [Control device] Next, the control device for the cleaning device will be described. The control device is an example consisting of a selection unit, a first control unit, and a second control unit.

[0056] As shown in Figure 12, the control device 30 includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, storage 34, and I / O (Input / Output) 35. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 39 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The control device 30 is a so-called computer.

[0057] The CPU 31 is a central processing unit and an example of a processor. The CPU 31 executes various programs and controls various parts. Specifically, the CPU 31 reads a program from the ROM 32 or storage 34 and executes the program using the RAM 33 as a working area. The CPU 31 performs control and various calculation processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 32 or storage 34. In this embodiment, the ROM 32 or storage 34 stores a program for cleaning the toner bottle 50 (see Figure 1) with the cleaning device 10.

[0058] ROM 32 stores various programs and data. RAM 33 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage 34 consists of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and stores various programs and data, including the operating system. I / O (Input / Output) 35 is connected to other devices, in this embodiment a weight measuring device 20, a powder removal device 100, and a dry cleaning device 200. Each of these devices is able to communicate with the CPU 31 via I / O 35.

[0059] [Cleaning process] Next, the cleaning process for toner bottles 50 collected from the market using the cleaning device 10 shown in Figure 1 will be described. As mentioned above, the toner bottles 50 are transported and handed over by the conveying device in the order of the weight measuring device 20, the powder removal device 100, and the dry cleaning device 200.

[0060] (Weight measurement process) First, we will explain the weight measurement process using a weight measuring device.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, the weight measuring device 20 first measures the weight of the toner bottles 50 collected from the market. The toner bottles 50 collected from the market still contain toner TA, but the amount, or weight, of the toner varies.

[0062] The control device 30 (Figure 12) classifies the toner amount into multiple (for example, five) categories according to the weight of the toner bottle 50 measured by the weight measuring device 20. In this embodiment, the control device 30 classifies the toner amounts into toner amount A, toner amount B, toner amount C, toner amount D, and toner amount E in descending order of weight, and selects one of the positions S2 to S6 to approach in the initial approach operation described later, according to the classified toner amount.

[0063] Furthermore, when the top surface of the toner TA is at or above position S3 in Figure 6(A), the toner amount is A; when it is between position S4 and below S3 in Figure 6(C), the toner amount is B; and when it is between position S5 and below S4 in Figure 6(E), the toner amount is C. Additionally, when it is between position S6 and below S5 in Figure 6(G), the toner amount is D; and when it is below S6 in Figure 7(I), the toner amount is E. Note that position S2 in Figure 6(A) is the position of the top surface of the toner TA when it is not in use.

[0064] (Toner removal process) Next, we will describe the toner removal process, in which the powder removal device 100 suctions and removes the toner TA remaining in the toner bottle 50 recovered from the market. In the toner removal process, some of the attached toner TB adhering to the inner wall 51 of the toner bottle 50 is also suctioned and removed.

[0065] In this embodiment, the toner removal process is performed by the control device 30 controlling the first moving unit 120 to move the toner bottle 50 up and down.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the toner bottle 50 moves upward, and the nozzle 110 of the powder removal device 100 is inserted into the toner bottle 50, thereby sucking up and removing the toner TA. The nozzle 110 continuously performs a suction operation to draw in air, etc., while the toner bottle is moving up and down.

[0067] At this time, the toner bottle 50, with its bottom 54 facing downwards, moves up and down, and the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110 gradually approaches the bottom 54. Specifically, the toner bottle 50 rises, causing the toner TA to move closer to the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110, and the toner bottle 50 descends, causing the toner TA to move away from the suction port 112. This process is repeated alternately, and the suction port 112 gradually approaches the bottom 54.

[0068] In this embodiment, multiple positions are pre-set at vertical intervals for the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110 to approach the toner TA during the approach operation. The five positions (set positions) in this embodiment are positions S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figure 4, S1 is the initial position and the lowest position. Also, as shown in Figure 5, position S6 is the highest position.

[0069] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, sensor 132A is positioned to detect the detected part 122 when the toner bottle 50 moves to position S2. Similarly, sensor 132B is positioned to detect the detected part 122 when the toner bottle 50 moves to position S3. Sensor 132C is positioned to detect the detected part 122 when the toner bottle 50 moves to position S4. And sensor 132D is positioned to detect the detected part 122 when the toner bottle 50 moves to position S5.

[0070] Next, the repeated motion (up and down motion, suction motion) in which the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110 gradually approaches the bottom 54 of the toner bottle 50 while repeatedly moving closer and further away will be explained in detail using Figures 6 and 7.

[0071] First, we will explain the case when the control device 30 classifies the weight of the toner bottle 50 as toner quantity A based on the measurement results of the weight measuring device 20. [First action] When the toner amount is A, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), an approach movement is performed in which the toner bottle 50 first moves from position S1 to position S2. Once the toner bottle 50 reaches position S2 (when the sensor 132A detects the detected part 122 of the first moving part 120 holding the toner bottle 50), a separation movement is then performed. The nozzle 110 continues to perform a suction operation during the approach movement in which the toner bottle 50 moves from position S1 to position S2 and during the separation movement in which it moves away from position S2, thus sucking in at least one of air and toner TA. As a result, the amount of toner in the toner bottle 50 decreases from the state shown in Figure 6(A) to the state shown in Figure 6(C). In this embodiment, the separation movement returns to the position before the approach movement or to the position one position below the position before the approach movement, so as shown in Figure 6(C), the toner bottle 50 moves to position S1. In a separation movement, returning to the position before the approach movement occurs when there is no set position between the position before the approach movement and the position after the approach movement. Returning to the position one level below the position before the approach movement occurs when there is a set position between the position before the approach movement and the position after the approach movement. Note that the separation position to which the object returns in a separation movement is not limited to this position; it only needs to be higher than the position where the approach movement was completed.

[0072] [Second action] Next, as shown in Figures 6(C) and 6(D), an approach movement is performed in which the toner bottle 50 moves from position S1 to position S3. When the toner bottle 50 reaches position S3 (when the sensor 132B detects the detected part 122 of the first moving part 120 holding the toner bottle 50), a separation movement is then performed, and as shown in Figure 6(E), the toner bottle 50 moves to position S2. The nozzle 110 continues to perform a suction operation during the approach movement in which the toner bottle 50 moves from position S1 to position S3 and during the separation movement in which it moves from position S3 to position S2, thus sucking in at least one of air and toner TA. As a result, the amount of toner in the toner bottle 50 decreases from the state shown in Figure 6(C) to the state shown in Figure 6(E). [Third action] Next, as shown in Figures 6(E) and 6(F), an approach movement is performed in which the toner bottle 50 moves from position S2 to position S4. When the toner bottle 50 reaches position S4 (when the sensor 132C detects the detected part 122 of the first moving part 120 holding the toner bottle 50), a separation movement is then performed, and as shown in Figure 6(G), the toner bottle 50 moves to position S3. The nozzle 110 continues to perform a suction operation during the approach movement in which the toner bottle 50 moves from position S2 to position S4 and during the separation movement in which it moves from position S4 to position S3, thus sucking in at least one of air and toner TA. As a result, the amount of toner in the toner bottle 50 decreases from the state shown in Figure 6(E) to the state shown in Figure 6(G).

[0073] [Fourth action] Next, as shown in Figures 6(G) and 7(H), an approach movement is performed in which the toner bottle 50 moves from position S3 to position S5. When the toner bottle 50 reaches position S5 (when the sensor 132D detects the detected part 122 of the first moving part 120 holding the toner bottle 50), a separation movement is then performed, and it moves to position S4 as shown in Figure 7(I). The nozzle 110 continues to perform a suction operation during the approach movement in which the toner bottle 50 moves from position S3 to position S5 and during the separation movement in which it moves from position S5 to position S4, so it sucks up at least one of air and toner TA. As a result, the amount of toner in the toner bottle 50 decreases from the state shown in Figure 6(G) to the state shown in Figure 7(I). [5th ​​action] Next, as shown in Figures 7(I) and 7(J), the toner bottle 50 moves in an approaching motion from position S4 to position S6. Once the toner bottle 50 reaches position S6, it then moves in a reversing motion to position S5, as shown in Figure 7(K). The nozzle 110 continues to suction during the approaching motion of the toner bottle 50 from position S4 to position S6 and during the reversing motion from position S6 to position S5, thus sucking in at least one of air and toner TA. As a result, the amount of toner in the toner bottle 50 decreases from the state shown in Figure 7(I) to the state shown in Figure 7(K).

[0074] [6th action] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7(K) and 7(L), an approach operation is performed in which the toner bottle 50 moves to position S6 once again.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7(K) and 7(L), after the toner bottle 50 has performed the aforementioned approach operation, moving from position S5 to position S6, the first moving unit 120 releases its hold on the toner bottle 50 (see Figure 1) after a predetermined set time (for example, 0.5 seconds). As a result, the toner bottle 50 rises due to the suction force of the nozzle 110, and as shown in Figure 7(M), the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110 strikes the bottom 54 of the toner bottle 50. In this embodiment, the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110 may strike the outer edge 58 around the constricted portion 56. The impact when the nozzle 110 strikes the bottom 54 or the outer edge 58 causes the toner TB (see Figure 1) adhering to the inner wall 51 to fall out of the toner bottle 50. After this, the toner bottle 50 is held again by the first moving unit 120 and moves to the initial position S1. During the movement to the initial position S1, any adhering toner TB that has fallen into the toner bottle 50 due to the impact is sucked up through the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110. The toner bottle 50, once moved to the initial position, is then handed over to the dry cleaning device 200 (see Figure 1).

[0076] As mentioned above, the nozzle 110 is constantly suctioning during the suction operation, and therefore continues to suction during both the approaching and receding movements. In addition, the nozzle 110 does not stop at the approaching position during the approaching movement, but stops for about 0.5 seconds at the receding position during the receding movement.

[0077] Furthermore, one of the setting positions, position S2 (position of sensor 132A), is set so that the toner TA inside the toner bottle 50 becomes toner amount B when the toner bottle 50 with toner amount A is drawn into the nozzle 110 by the approaching and moving away movements of the toner bottle 50 with toner amount A. Similarly, one of the setting positions, position S3 (position of sensor 132B), is set so that the toner inside the toner bottle 50 becomes toner amount C when the toner TA inside the toner bottle 50 is drawn into the nozzle 110 by the approaching and moving away movements of the toner bottle 50 with toner amount B. Also, one of the setting positions, position S4 (position of sensor 132C), is set so that the toner inside the toner bottle 50 becomes toner amount D when the toner TA inside the toner bottle 50 is drawn into the nozzle 110 by the approaching and moving away movements of the toner bottle 50 with toner amount C. And one of the setting positions, position S4 (position of sensor 132D), is set so that the toner inside the toner bottle 50 becomes toner amount E when the toner TA inside the toner bottle 50 is drawn into the nozzle 110 by the approaching and moving away movements of the toner bottle 50 with toner amount D.

[0078] Therefore, when the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as B, an approach operation is performed in which the toner bottle 50 first moves from position S1 (Figure 6(A)) to position S3 (Figure 6(D)), and once it reaches position S3, a separation operation is performed. The subsequent steps are the same as when the toner amount is A. In other words, when the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as B, the second to sixth operations are performed without performing the first operation. Similarly, when the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as C, an approach operation is performed in which the toner bottle 50 first moves from position S1 (Figure 6(A)) to position S4 (Figure 6(F)), and once it reaches position S4, a separation operation is performed. The subsequent steps are the same as when the toner amount is A. In other words, when the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as C, the 3rd to 6th operations are performed without the 1st and 2nd operations. Furthermore, when the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as D, the toner bottle 50 first performs an approach operation, moving from position S1 (Figure 6(A)) to position S5 (Figure 7(H)), and once it reaches position S5, a separation operation is performed. The subsequent steps are the same as when the toner amount is A. In other words, when the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as D, the 4th to 6th operations are performed without performing the 1st to 3rd operations. When the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as E, the toner bottle 50 first performs an approach operation, moving from position S1 (Figure 6(A)) to position S6 (Figure 7(J)), and once it reaches position S6, it performs a separation operation. The subsequent steps are the same as when the toner amount is A. In other words, when the control device 30 classifies the toner amount as E, the 5th and 6th operations are performed without performing the 1st through 4th operations.

[0079] (Dry cleaning process) Next, as shown in Figure 1, the dry cleaning process of the toner bottle 50 using the dry cleaning device 200 will be described. The toner bottle 50 is the one from which toner TA has been sucked out by the toner powder removal device 100. The dry cleaning device 200 cleans the toner TB that has adhered to the inner wall 51 of the toner bottle 50. In the dry cleaning process, the control device 30 controls the second moving part 220 to move the toner bottle 50 up and down.

[0080] Specifically, as shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), the toner bottle 50 moves upward, and the dry cleaning jig 300 of the dry cleaning device 200 is inserted into the toner bottle 50. Compressed air is then ejected from the ejection pipe 320 to blow away the attached toner TB, and any remaining attached toner TB on the toner bottle 50 is sucked up through the suction pipe 310.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10(A), the switching member 500 of the dry cleaning jig 300 normally has its upper flange 520 in contact with the bottom surface 420 of the auxiliary chamber 400 due to its own weight, covering multiple (all) second nozzles 424 (see Figure 11(B)). Therefore, the compressed air introduced from the nozzle 320 into the auxiliary chamber 400 is ejected only from the first nozzle 422 (more precisely, from the through hole 512 of the cylindrical part 510 that is inserted into the first nozzle 422) (see arrow Q). As a result, as described above, the compressed air ejected from the nozzle 320 blows away the attached toner TB, and the attached toner TB remaining in the toner bottle 50 that has been blown away is sucked up from the suction pipe 310 (see arrow R). Here, "insertion" means inserting something through a passage such as a hole.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10(B), when the lower flange 522 of the switching member 500 approaches the constricted portion 56, compressed air ejected from the through hole 512 of the cylindrical portion 510 inserted into the first nozzle 422 enters the bottom chamber 60 and blows away the toner TB adhering to the bottom chamber 60 (see arrow QA).

[0083] As shown in Figure 10(C), when the lower flange 522 of the switching member 500 hits the outer edge 58 around the constricted portion 56, the switching member 500 is pushed up, and the upper flange 520 separates from the bottom surface 420 of the auxiliary chamber 400. Therefore, the compressed air from the ejection pipe 320 is ejected from both the first ejection port 422 (more precisely, the through hole 512) and the multiple second ejection ports 424 (see arrow QB) from the auxiliary chamber 400. When the lower flange 522 of the switching member 500 hits the outer edge 58 around the constricted portion 56, the constricted portion 56 is closed by the lower flange 522, so most of the compressed air from the ejection pipe 320 is ejected from the multiple second ejection ports 424, creating the airflow indicated by arrow QB.

[0084] The compressed air ejected from the second nozzle 424 effectively blows away the toner TB adhering to the outer edge 58 around the constricted section 56.

[0085] <effect> Next, the operation of the cleaning device of this embodiment will be described.

[0086] In the powder removal device 100 of the cleaning device 10 of this embodiment, the nozzle 110 is brought close to the toner TA of the toner bottle 50 and then moved away from it, and this process is repeated alternately, bringing the nozzle 110 close to the bottom 54 of the toner bottle 50 to suck up and remove the toner TA. Therefore, compared to the case where the toner TA is sucked up and removed by approaching only, clogging of the nozzle 110 is suppressed.

[0087] Next, we will explain why clogging of the nozzle 110 is suppressed by repeatedly performing approaching and moving away movements.

[0088] During the approach operation, toner TA is rapidly drawn into the suction port 112 by the nozzle 110, causing the suction port 112 to become partially clogged with a large amount of toner TA, resulting in a decrease in suction power. If the approach operation continues in this state, there is a risk that the nozzle 110 will become completely clogged with toner TA. However, by performing a separation operation after the approach operation, the toner TA inside the nozzle 110 is drawn in during the separation operation, resolving the partially clogged or completely clogged state. In other words, the decrease in suction power during the suction operation is suppressed or prevented.

[0089] Therefore, the powder removal device 100 of this embodiment can efficiently clean the toner TA of the toner bottle 50. Specifically, the powder removal device 100 can clean the toner bottle 50 by shortening the suction removal time of the toner TA and suppressing clogging of the nozzle 110 by the toner TA.

[0090] In the powder removal device 100 of the cleaning device 10 of this embodiment, multiple approach positions (positions S2 to S6 in this embodiment) that approach the toner TA inside the toner bottle 50 during the approach operation are set in advance at intervals in the vertical direction. The powder removal device 100 then selects the approach position that allows the nozzle 110 to get as close as possible to the toner TA inside the toner bottle 50 without contact, based on the weight of the toner bottle 50, and performs the operation repeatedly in order towards the lower approach positions. Therefore, the powder removal device 100 is easier to control compared to a case where the approach position is set for each approach operation.

[0091] Furthermore, in the powder removal device 100 of this embodiment, the approach operation in which the toner bottle 50 moves to the lowest approach position S6 is performed twice. Therefore, the amount of toner TA remaining in the toner bottle 50 is reduced compared to the case in which the approach operation is performed only once at the lowest approach position.

[0092] Furthermore, in the powder removal device 100 of this embodiment, the first moving part 120 releases its hold on the toner bottle 50 at the end. As a result, in the powder removal device 100, the toner bottle 50 rises due to the suction force of the nozzle 110, and the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110 comes into contact with the bottom 54 of the toner bottle 50 or the outer edge 58 around the constricted part 56.

[0093] Then, the impact of the suction port 112 of the nozzle 110 hitting the toner bottle 50 dislodges the toner TB adhering to the inner wall 51 of the toner bottle 50, and it is sucked away and removed. Therefore, the amount of toner TA remaining in the toner bottle 50 is suppressed in the powder removal device 100 compared to when the toner bottle 50 is continuously held.

[0094] In the dry cleaning device 200 of the cleaning device 10 of this embodiment, when the lower flange 522 of the switching member 500 of the dry cleaning jig 300 comes into contact with the constricted portion 56, the switching member 500 is pushed up. When the switching member 500 is pushed up, the upper flange 520 separates from the bottom surface 420 of the auxiliary chamber 400. As a result, spray occurs from both the first nozzle 422 and the multiple second nozzles 424. Therefore, in the cleaning device 10, the dry cleaning effect of the toner bottle 50 with the constricted portion 56 is improved compared to the case where the dry cleaning jig is composed only of a suction pipe and a spray pipe.

[0095] <Other> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0096] For example, in the powder removal device 100 of the above embodiment, the toner bottle 50 was moved up and down, but the invention is not limited to this. The nozzle 110 may be moved up and down, or both the toner bottle 50 and the nozzle 110 may be moved up and down. Similarly, in the dry cleaning device 200 of the above embodiment, the toner bottle 50 was moved up and down, but the invention is not limited to this. The dry cleaning jig 300 may be moved up and down, or both the toner bottle 50 and the dry cleaning jig 300 may be moved up and down.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the amount of remaining toner TA was set by the weight of the toner bottle 50 recovered from the market, but this is not limited to this. For example, the amount of toner TA remaining in the toner bottle 50 may be measured using an optical sensor. Specifically, the upper surface position of the toner TA may be measured using a laser or the like, and the approach position in which the nozzle 110 approaches during the approach operation may be set according to the upper surface position of the toner TA obtained from the measurement.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the toner bottle 50 was dry-cleaned in the dry cleaning device 200 after the remaining toner TA had been removed by the powder removal device 100, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The toner bottle 50 may also be dry-cleaned after the remaining toner TA has been removed by a device other than the powder removal device 100.

[0099] Alternatively, the worker may manually dry-clean the toner bottle 50 by holding the dry cleaning jig 300 by hand.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the container was a toner bottle and the powder was toner, but the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention can also be applied to cleaning containers that hold powders such as chemical materials.

[0101] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Multiple embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0102] (Note)

[0103] (((1))) A nozzle inserted into a container having a bottom and used to suck up powder inside the container, A first moving part moves the nozzle vertically relative to the container with the bottom facing downwards, The first moving unit includes a first control unit that moves the nozzle closer to the bottom by repeatedly performing an approaching operation, which brings the nozzle relatively closer to the powder, and an separating operation, which moves the nozzle relatively away from the powder after the approaching operation, A powder removal device equipped with [a specific feature].

[0104] (((2))) Multiple approach positions are pre-set at intervals in the vertical direction for approaching the powder during the approach operation. It has a selection unit that selects the closest approach position to the powder inside the container before suction, The first control unit performs the repeated operation sequentially from the approach position selected by the selection unit toward the approach position below. The powder removal device described in (((1))).

[0105] (((3))) The first control unit performs the approaching operation multiple times at the lowest approaching position. The powder removal device described in (((2))).

[0106] (((4))) The first movable part holds the container and moves it relative to the nozzle in the vertical direction. The first control unit releases the first movable part from holding the container after the approaching operation is completed at the lowest approaching position. A powder removal device as described in (((2))) or (((3))).

[0107] (((5))) A powder removal device described in any one of (((1))) to (((4))) wherein a partially narrowed constriction is formed at the bottom end of the container to suck up and remove powder inside the container, A dry cleaning device having a dry cleaning jig that is inserted into the container with the bottom facing downwards, from which the powder has been removed by the powder removal device, to dry clean the inside of the container, Equipped with, The dry cleaning jig is, A suction tube for drawing gas from the container, A nozzle is provided inside the suction tube, with its tip protruding from the opening of the suction tube, and for ejecting gas into the container. An auxiliary chamber provided at the tip of the ejection pipe, The first nozzle formed at the bottom of the auxiliary chamber, A second nozzle is formed around the first nozzle on the bottom surface, The cylindrical portion inserted into the first nozzle, A lower flange is provided at the lower part of the cylindrical section and protrudes outward from the first nozzle, An upper flange is provided at the top of the cylindrical portion, which is larger than the constricted portion and overlaps the second nozzle, It has, The dry cleaning device is A second moving part moves the dry cleaning jig relative to the container in the vertical direction, The second moving part brings the lower flange against the constricted portion of the container and moves the dry cleaning jig relatively close to the constricted portion until a gap is formed between the upper flange and the bottom surface of the auxiliary chamber, and then moves the dry cleaning jig relatively away from the constricted portion, A cleaning device is provided.

[0108] (((6))) The process involves repeatedly performing an approaching motion, in which a nozzle inserted into a container having a bottom is brought relatively close to the powder inside the container, and then, after the approaching motion, the nozzle is moved relatively away from the powder, while bringing the nozzle closer to the bottom to remove the powder. Powder removal method.

[0109] With the powder removal device described in (((1))), nozzle clogging is suppressed compared to the case where powder is removed by suction only by approaching the powder in the container with the nozzle.

[0110] According to the powder removal device of (((2))), control is easier compared to the case where the approach position is set for each approach operation.

[0111] According to the powder removal device (((3))), the amount of powder remaining in the container is reduced when the approaching motion is performed only once at the lowest approach position.

[0112] According to the powder removal device of (((4))), the amount of powder remaining in the container is suppressed compared to the case where the container is held in place.

[0113] According to the cleaning device of (((5))), the dry cleaning effect of containers with a constricted section at the bottom is improved compared to when the dry cleaning jig consists only of a suction pipe and a spray pipe.

[0114] According to the powder removal method of (((6))), nozzle clogging is suppressed compared to the method in which powder is removed by suction only by bringing the nozzle close to the powder inside the container. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 10 Cleaning equipment 30 Control device (an example of a first control unit, a second control unit, and a selection unit) 50 Toner Bottles (Example of a container) 52 Opening 54 bottom 56 Aperture part 58 Outer edge 60 Bottom chamber 100 Powder removal equipment 110 nozzles 112 Suction port 120 First moving part 200 Dry cleaning device 220 Second moving part 300 Dry cleaning fixtures 310 Suction tube 312 Suction port 320 Ejection pipe 322 Tip 400 Auxiliary room 420 Bottom part 422 First spout 424 Second spout 500 Switching component 510 Cylinder part 512 Through hole 520 Upper flange 522 Lower flange

Claims

1. A nozzle inserted into a container having a bottom and used to suck up powder inside the container, A first moving part moves the nozzle vertically relative to the container with the bottom facing downwards, The first moving unit includes a first control unit that moves the nozzle closer to the bottom by repeatedly performing an approaching operation, which brings the nozzle relatively closer to the powder, and an separating operation, which moves the nozzle relatively away from the powder after the approaching operation, A powder removal device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. Multiple approach positions are pre-set at intervals in the vertical direction for approaching the powder during the approach operation. It has a selection unit that selects the closest approach position to the powder inside the container before suction, The first control unit performs the repeated operation sequentially from the approach position selected by the selection unit toward the approach position below. The powder removal device according to claim 1.

3. The first control unit performs the approaching operation multiple times at the lowest approaching position. The powder removal device according to claim 2.

4. The first movable part holds the container and moves it relative to the nozzle in the vertical direction. The first control unit releases the first movable part from holding the container after the approaching operation is completed at the lowest approaching position. The powder removal device according to claim 2.

5. A powder removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a partially narrowed constriction is formed at the bottom end of the container to suction and remove powder inside the container, A dry cleaning device having a dry cleaning jig that is inserted into the container with the bottom facing downwards, from which the powder has been removed by the powder removal device, to dry clean the inside of the container, Equipped with, The dry cleaning jig is, A suction tube for drawing gas from the container, A nozzle is provided inside the suction tube, with its tip protruding from the opening of the suction tube, and for ejecting gas into the container. An auxiliary chamber provided at the tip of the ejection pipe, The first nozzle formed at the bottom of the auxiliary chamber, A second nozzle is formed around the first nozzle on the bottom surface, The cylindrical portion inserted into the first nozzle, A lower flange is provided at the lower part of the cylindrical section and protrudes outward from the first nozzle, An upper flange is provided at the top of the cylindrical portion, which is larger than the constricted portion and overlaps the second nozzle, It has, The dry cleaning device is A second moving part moves the dry cleaning jig relative to the container in the vertical direction, The second moving part brings the lower flange against the constricted portion of the container and moves the dry cleaning jig relatively close to the constricted portion until a gap is formed between the upper flange and the bottom surface of the auxiliary chamber, and then moves the dry cleaning jig relatively away from the constricted portion, A cleaning device is provided.

6. The process involves repeatedly performing an approaching motion, in which a nozzle inserted into a container having a bottom is brought relatively close to the powder inside the container, and then, after the approaching motion, the nozzle is moved relatively away from the powder, while bringing the nozzle closer to the bottom to remove the powder. Powder removal method.

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