Developer Collection Container Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer collection systems in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently collecting and storing toner and residual deposits, with existing solutions often leading to contamination and inefficiencies in the discharge and storage processes.
Innovation Solution
A developer collection container with a connecting part that removably connects to a discharge structure, featuring a receiving opening, a storage part, an opening and closing member, and a sealing member to ensure effective discharge and storage of toner, while minimizing contamination and ensuring easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting part is removably connected to the discharge structure, then the ease of installation and removal is improved, but the sealing reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing member is configured to automatically open when the connecting part approaches the discharge structure during installation, and automatically close when removed. This preliminary configuration ensures that the receiving opening is properly opened before connection is complete, and sealed before removal begins, resolving the contradiction between easy removability and sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connecting part and the receiving opening. It mediates the connection process by controlling the opening state, and mediates the removal process by controlling the closing state, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while enabling easy installation and removal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening and closing member is provided to control the receiving opening, then the contamination is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing member is designed to automatically open and close based on the relative movement between the connecting part and the discharge structure. It serves itself through the mechanical interaction during installation and removal, without requiring external control mechanisms, thereby reducing contamination while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member combines multiple functions: it controls the opening of the receiving opening, provides sealing when closed, and interacts with the connecting part during installation and removal. By merging these functions into a single component, contamination is reduced without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sealing member is provided to seal gaps, then the contamination is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is implemented as a flexible sealing element that can deform to seal gaps between the connecting part and the discharge structure. This flexible film approach provides effective sealing against contamination while adding minimal structural complexity compared to rigid sealing mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A developer collection container includes a connecting part removably connected to a discharge structure by moving relative to the discharge structure, the connecting part having a receiving opening to receive developer discharged from a discharge opening of the discharge structure, a storage part for storing the discharged developer, an opening and closing member provided in an area of the connecting part where the receiving opening is provided, the opening and closing member moving parallel to the area in conjunction with relative movement of the connecting part for displacement between close and open positions to close and open the receiving opening and having a covering part, and a sealing member provided around the receiving opening in the area, the sealing member sealing a gap formed between the covering part and the area and sealing at least a gap formed between the surrounding part of the discharge opening and the area.