Developer Container Sealing Gap Filling via Intermediary Backup Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer container systems in image forming apparatuses face issues with developer leakage due to gaps between the end seals and the cleaning apparatus frame, which are not completely sealed by the filler/sealer, either allowing leakage or causing the filler/sealer to ooze out when excess is used.
Innovation Solution
A developer container design with a rotatable member, a container body, a sealing member, a sheet to guide the developer, and a communication hole for packing material to fill the gap between the container body and the sealing member, preventing leakage without requiring strict control over the filler/sealer amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filler/sealer is injected into gaps between end seals and cleaning apparatus frame, then developer leakage is prevented, but filler/sealer may ooze out and create gaps between sealing sheet and end seals
Solution Approach 1:
A backup member is introduced as an intermediary component between the end seal and the cleaning apparatus frame. This backup member receives the filler/sealer first, preventing it from oozing out and creating gaps between the sealing sheet and end seals, while still allowing the filler to effectively seal gaps between the end seal and frame
Solution Approach 2:
The backup member is pre-installed in the gap between the end seal and cleaning apparatus frame before filler/sealer injection. This preliminary placement creates a controlled receiving space that guides the filler injection process and prevents harmful oozing while ensuring complete gap sealing
2Reliability
If the amount of filler/sealer injected is strictly controlled, then developer leakage is prevented, but assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup member serves as a mediator that decouples the filler injection process from the final sealing outcome. By providing a controlled receiving space, it eliminates the need for precise filler amount control, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The backup member provides a cushioning space beforehand that accommodates variable filler injection amounts. This pre-prepared buffer zone prevents both filler oozing and incomplete sealing, making the process robust against injection variability without requiring strict control
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container for an image forming apparatus, said developer container including a rotatable member; a container body for containing a developer; a sealing member, provided in the container body, for preventing leakage of the developer out of the container body; a sheet, provided in the container body, for contacting the rotatable member to guide the developer into the container body; a gap provided between the container body and the sealing member and covered by the sheet; a communication hole provided in the container body in fluid communication with the gap; packing material filled in the gap through the communication hole for preventing leakage of the developer through the gap.