Developer Container Moveable Wall Toner Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer containers face challenges in efficiently discharging and replenishing toner due to stagnant regions blocking the toner replenishment inlet, leading to inconsistent toner supply and potential clogging issues during the filling process.
Innovation Solution
The developer container design includes a moveable wall and a stirring member that conveys toner towards a discharge outlet, with a shaft and drive transmission members to ensure reliable toner discharge and replenishment, preventing blockages and maintaining efficient toner flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional toner container with a fixed structure is used, then the structure is simple, but stagnant regions block the toner replenishment inlet causing inconsistent toner supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a moveable wall that can change position within the container body, transforming the static container structure into a dynamic one. This moveable wall actively conveys toner toward the discharge outlet, preventing stagnant regions from forming and blocking the replenishment inlet, thereby ensuring consistent toner supply while managing the increased structural complexity through functional necessity.
2Productivity
If the developer discharge outlet is located at the bottom of the container body, then gravity assists toner discharge, but stagnant regions still form blocking the replenishment inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable wall acts as an intermediary element between the gravity-driven toner discharge at the bottom outlet and the replenishment inlet. It actively mediates toner movement by conveying material toward the discharge outlet while simultaneously preventing stagnant regions from blocking the replenishment inlet, thus resolving the contradiction between discharge efficiency and replenishment reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple container structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but clogging issues occur during the filling process
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable wall introduces dynamic toner conveyance functionality that prevents clogging during the filling process. While this increases manufacturing complexity compared to a simple static container, it significantly improves filling reliability by actively preventing stagnant region formation that would otherwise cause blockages at the replenishment inlet.
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 ensures consistent toner supply, prevents clogging, and allows for reliable toner discharge until the end of the container's usage, enhancing the operational efficiency of the toner container.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing supports the moveable wall and has an internal thread on an inner circumferential surface thereof that engages with the external thread
Implementation Method 2
The shaft has an external thread on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The bearing supports the moveable wall and has an internal thread on an inner circumferential surface thereof that engages with the external thread
Data Source
AI summary
A toner container includes a container body, a toner discharge outlet, a moveable wall, and a stirring member. The container body includes an inner circumferential section having a tubular shape extending in a first direction and an internal space. The toner discharge outlet passes through the container body. The moveable wall includes a conveying surface and an outer circumferential section in sealed contact with the inner circumferential section of the container body. The moveable wall moves in the first direction while conveying developer toward the toner discharge outlet. The stirring member stirs toner in proximity to the toner discharge outlet. A first gear that transmits driving force to the moveable wall and a second gear that transmits driving force to the stirring member are located together outside of the container body.