Developer Collection Container with Variable Conveying Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developer collection containers in image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in storing waste toner due to the design of the conveying member, which extends partly in the longitudinal direction, leading to stagnation and uneven distribution of waste toner.
Innovation Solution
A developer collection container with a rotation member that conveys developer throughout the container, featuring varying conveying power along its length to ensure efficient storage, with a larger conveying power near the supply end and a smaller power towards the opposite end, allowing for uniform distribution and storage of waste toner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the conveying member extends only partly in the longitudinal direction of the developer collection container, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to inefficient waste toner storage and stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation member is designed with non-uniform pitch of its spiral blades along the longitudinal direction. The pitch is larger near the developer supply opening to handle high-volume incoming waste toner, and gradually decreases toward the opposite end. This local variation in geometric parameters optimizes conveying efficiency at different positions without requiring a completely different structure throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation member rotates continuously to dynamically convey waste toner throughout the collection container. This dynamic motion prevents stagnation and ensures uniform distribution of waste toner in the longitudinal direction, transforming the static storage problem into a dynamic conveying process
2Productivity
If the conveying member extends throughout the entire longitudinal direction, then the productivity improves through efficient waste toner storage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotation member performs multiple functions: it conveys waste toner from the supply opening, distributes it uniformly throughout the container, prevents stagnation, and controls the flow rate at different positions. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive waste toner management with a single component rather than multiple separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch parameter of the spiral blades on the rotation member is varied continuously along the longitudinal direction. By changing this geometric parameter from larger values near the supply opening to smaller values at the opposite end, the conveying power is automatically adjusted to match the waste toner flow characteristics at different positions, optimizing overall storage efficiency
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
The solution enables efficient storage of developers and waste toner throughout the container, preventing stagnation and ensuring effective use of space, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation member rotates in a predetermined direction so as to convey the developer in the longitudinal direction of the developer storing portion
Data Source
AI summary
A developer collection container includes a developer storing portion having first and second end portions in a longitudinal direction thereof. A developer supply opening is provided on the first end portion through which the developer is supplied into the developer storing portion. A rotation member is rotatably provided so as to extend substantially from the first end portion to the second end portion. The rotation member rotates so as to convey the developer in the longitudinal direction of the developer storing portion. In a first region closer to the first end portion, the rotation member conveys the developer in a direction from the first end portion toward the second end portion with a conveying power which is larger than a conveying power with which the rotation member conveys the developer in a second region closer to the second end portion.