Developer Container Movable Wall Toner Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developer containers face challenges in efficiently discharging and replenishing toner due to static toner accumulation and lack of precise control over the toner supply, leading to inconsistent image formation in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A developer container with a movable wall and helical ridge shaft mechanism that conveys toner to a discharge port, combined with a stirring member and drive controller, ensures consistent toner supply by adjusting the movable wall's position and stirring the toner to prevent accumulation, thereby maintaining a stable toner flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional toner container with a rotary stirring member is used, then toner can be discharged through the discharge port, but the toner supply becomes inconsistent due to static toner accumulation and lack of precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable wall that can change position dynamically within the container body. The movable wall is driven by a screw mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the wall to move back and forth to convey toner toward the discharge port. This dynamic structure enables precise control over toner supply while maintaining a relatively simple overall container design, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the developer discharge port is positioned at the lowest part of the container body, then toner discharge is facilitated by gravity, but toner aggregation occurs and supply stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by elevating the developer discharge port from the lowest part of the container body to a position higher by a predetermined amount. This vertical displacement creates a new spatial relationship where the movable wall must actively convey toner upward against gravity. The screw mechanism provides the necessary force to move toner to this elevated discharge port, ensuring stable supply while preventing aggregation that would occur at the lowest point.
3Productivity
If a stationary container structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but toner cannot be replenished efficiently and image formation consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by positioning the movable wall at an initial location that allows it to convey toner proactively toward the discharge port. The screw mechanism is designed to move the wall in a reciprocating manner, continuously preparing and advancing toner toward the discharge point before depletion occurs. This preliminary conveyance action ensures efficient toner replenishment and maintains consistent image formation, justifying the added mechanical complexity.
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 continuous and efficient toner supply, reducing toner aggregation and improving image formation consistency by dynamically managing toner levels and flow within the developer container.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft includes a first engaging portion in the form of a helical ridge projecting from an outer surface of the shaft... When the shaft is rotated in a first rotational direction, the movable wall moves in the first direction by engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and when the shaft is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the movable wall moves in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
The stirring member is disposed in the storage space and integrally rotatable with the shaft to stir the developer in the storage space
Implementation Method 3
The movable wall includes an outer surface slidably in close contact with the inner surface of the container body... the movable wall is operable to convey the developer in the storage space to the developer discharge port
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes a container body, a movable wall, a shaft, and a stirring member. The container body is formed with a developer discharge port. The developer discharge port lies at a position higher than a lowest part of the container body. The movable wall includes an outer surface slidably in close contact with an inner surface of the container body, and a conveying surface defining a storage space for the developer. The movable wall conveys the developer to the developer discharge port from a predetermined initial position owing to repeated movements of the movable wall in the first direction and a second direction. When the shaft is rotated in a first rotational direction, the movable wall moves in the first direction, and when the shaft is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the movable wall moves in the second direction.