Conveyance Unit with Segmented Rotation for Toner Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with uneven toner distribution and clogging at discharge ports due to differences in toner conveyance rates, leading to inconsistent image quality and potential failures during downstream processes.

Innovation Solution

A conveyance unit with a developer container featuring a replenishing port, first and second discharge ports, and a conveyance mechanism including a rotation shaft with first and second rotation conveyance units, where the second rotation conveyance unit provides a larger conveyance capacity than the first, ensuring uniform toner distribution and preventing clogging by actively conveying toner from one discharge port to the other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single rotation conveyance unit is used to convey toner to discharge ports, then the device complexity is reduced, but uneven toner distribution and clogging occur at discharge ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance mechanism structureVSAvoidtoner distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single rotation conveyance unit is segmented into multiple independent rotation conveyance units (first rotation conveyance unit and second rotation conveyance unit), each responsible for conveying toner to specific discharge ports. This segmentation ensures that toner is distributed uniformly across multiple discharge ports, preventing clogging while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each rotation conveyance unit is configured with different conveyance capacities tailored to the specific requirements of its target discharge port. The second rotation conveyance unit provides larger conveyance capacity than the first, creating localized optimization for each discharge port's toner delivery needs, thereby ensuring uniform overall distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If discharge ports are positioned at different locations in the storage chamber, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but uneven toner distribution and clogging risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge port positioning flexibilityVSAvoidtoner discharge consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides different conveyance capacities for different rotation conveyance units based on the specific positioning and requirements of each discharge port. The second rotation conveyance unit has larger conveyance capacity to compensate for its positioning, ensuring that toner is distributed uniformly across all discharge ports regardless of their locations, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the conveyance mechanism uses a single rotation shaft, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of toner distribution is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation shaft structureVSAvoidtoner conveyance rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single rotation shaft is segmented into multiple rotation conveyance units, each capable of independent rotation and toner conveyance. This segmentation increases the overall productivity of toner distribution by enabling parallel conveyance operations to multiple discharge ports simultaneously, while the modular structure keeps the added complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration maintains uniform toner supply across discharge ports, reducing the risk of clogging and enhancing image quality by ensuring consistent toner distribution in the longitudinal direction.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation shaft extending in a direction along a first direction connecting the first and second discharge ports, which is rotatable with a rotation axis extending in the first direction, a first rotation conveyance unit disposed on the rotation shaft, configured to be rotatable together with the rotation shaft and convey the developer toward the first discharge port, and a second rotation conveyance unit disposed on the rotation shaft, configured to be rotatable together with the rotation shaft and convey the developer toward the second discharge port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentUS11506996B2Conveyance unit, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 CANON KK

AI summary

A conveyance mechanism which includes a rotation shaft extending in a direction along a first direction connecting first and second discharge ports that is rotatable with a rotation axis extending in the first direction. Wherein, a first rotation conveyance unit is disposed on the rotation shaft, and is rotatable together with the rotation shaft, conveys developer toward the first discharge port, and a second rotation conveyance unit is disposed on the rotation shaft, and is rotatable together with the rotation shaft, conveys developer toward the second discharge port. The second rotation conveyance unit is configured to provide a larger amount of conveyance than the first rotation conveyance unit.