Toner transport device and image forming apparatus
US7756450B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0132
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The toner transport device of the present invention includes a toner transport pipe, internally having a toner transport path for allowing toner to pass therethrough, which is disposed so that the toner transport path extends in an up-and-down direction and which vibrates in upward and downward directions. Further, on an upper joint section and a lower joint section of the toner transport pipe are provided an upper foamed elastic member and a lower foamed elastic member which internally has a toner passage for allowing the toner transported to/from the toner transport path to pass therethrough, wherein a wall surface of the toner passage is coated with a resin layer which does not allow the toner to pass therethrough. As a result, it is possible to properly prevent retention and solidification of toner in the toner transport path by the upward-and-downward vibration of the toner transport member and it is possible to properly prevent toner from leaking from the toner transport device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.