Developer Container Sheet Member Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic systems, increasing the developer capacity in flexible containers leads to noise issues due to reduced distance between the sheet member and the container, causing contact and collision with the container or other components, resulting in unwanted noise.
Innovation Solution
A developer container configuration with a sheet member attached to an unsealing member, positioned between the sealing and unsealing members, where the sheet member's free end is covered by the sealing member during rotation, reducing noise by acting as a buffer and minimizing direct contact with the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the amount of developer inside the flexible container is increased to increase the capacity, then the capacity is improved, but the distance between the sheet member and the flexible container is reduced, causing the free end of the sheet member to contact the flexible container and generate noise
Solution Approach 1:
A damping member (buffer member) is introduced as an intermediary element between the sheet member and the flexible container. This damping member absorbs the contact and collision between these components, preventing direct contact that generates noise. The damping member acts as a mediator that isolates the sheet member from the container wall, thereby eliminating the harmful noise effect while allowing the flexible container to maintain its developer storage function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the length of the sheet member is increased to improve its function, then the functional capability is improved, but the sheet member may collide with the inner wall of the developer container or other components, generating noise in other locations
Solution Approach 1:
The damping member serves as a protective intermediary that allows the sheet member to be longer and more functional without causing noise. By placing the damping member between the sheet member and the container interior, it absorbs any collisions that occur due to the increased length, enabling the sheet member to perform its conveying function effectively without generating harmful noise from contact with container walls or components.
3Ease of operation
If a sheet-shaped conveyance member is added to engage the rotary member for conveying discharged developer, then the conveying function is improved, but the sheet member may contact the flexible container when the distance is reduced, generating noise
Solution Approach 1:
The damping member is positioned between the sheet-shaped conveyance member and the flexible container to prevent direct contact. This intermediary element absorbs the mechanical contact that occurs during the conveying operation, allowing the sheet member to effectively perform its function of transporting discharged developer to the developing roller and developer supply roller without generating noise from contact with the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes a container configured to store developer and capable of discharging the developer from an opening, a sealing member configured to seal the opening, an unsealing member, rotatably supported, configured to open the opening by removing the sealing member from the container, and a sheet member attached to an attachment portion of the unsealing member in a relative position where the sheet member is held between the sealing member and the unsealing member.