Developer Container Movable Wall Toner Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developer containers for toner in image forming apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms for toner discharge and sealing, leading to issues with toner supply management and detection of toner depletion.
Innovation Solution
A developer container with a movable wall that conveys toner to a discharge port and seals it when empty, using a combination of a shaft and rotary gear to move the wall and a sealing mechanism to cover the port, ensuring reliable toner supply and detection of depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional toner container with a discharge port and stirring member is used, then toner can be supplied to the developing device, but the mechanism for sealing and detecting toner depletion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and toner depletion detection function into a single movable wall structure. The movable wall serves both as a seal that closes the discharge port when toner is depleted and as a mechanical indicator that triggers the detection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sealing and detection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall automatically performs the sealing action when toner is depleted without requiring external control. The weight of the movable wall itself and the position of the discharge port work together to automatically close the discharge port and trigger detection, making the system self-regulating.
2Productivity
If the discharge port remains open for toner discharge, then toner supply is maintained, but toner backflow and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge port transitions from a static open state during normal operation to a dynamic closed state when toner is depleted. The movable wall provides a dynamic sealing mechanism that automatically adapts the port state based on toner levels, preventing backflow while maintaining discharge efficiency during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall acts as an intermediary element between the toner reservoir and the discharge port. It provides a physical barrier that prevents toner from flowing back into the reservoir while allowing controlled discharge when needed, mediating between the storage and discharge functions.
3Measurement precision
If a movable wall is introduced to convey and seal toner, then toner depletion detection is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wall is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys toner toward the discharge port, seals the discharge port when toner is depleted, and mechanically triggers the detection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall is segmented into distinct functional zones: a conveying surface that moves toner, a sealing portion that closes the discharge port, and a detection-triggering portion that activates the sensor. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized while maintaining an integrated structure.
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 solution ensures efficient toner discharge, prevents toner backflow, and allows for accurate detection of toner depletion, enhancing the reliability and user experience of toner management in image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
The movable wall includes an outer surface disposed in close contact with the inner surface of the container body... while conveying the developer in the storage space to the developer discharge port
Implementation Method 2
The outer surface of the movable wall includes a discharge port sealing portion operable to cover the developer discharge port. When the movable wall is at the developer discharge port, the discharge port sealing portion covers the developer discharge port from an inside of the container body
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes a container body and a movable wall. The container body includes a cylindrical internal space extending in a first direction and defined by an inner surface of the container body. The container body includes a developer discharge port. The movable wall includes an outer surface disposed in close contact with the inner surface of the container body, and a conveying surface defining a storage space configured to contain the developer. The movable wall moves to the developer discharge port in the first direction from one end side toward the other end side of the internal space, while conveying the developer in the storage space to the developer discharge port. The outer surface of the movable wall includes a discharge port sealing portion. When the movable wall is at the developer discharge port, the discharge port sealing portion covers the developer discharge port.