Developer Container Step Structure for Spill-Free Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer containers for image forming apparatuses face issues with stable attachment and potential spillage of waste developer during insertion and removal, leading to contamination and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A developer container design featuring a movable stopper member and a step portion that ensures secure attachment and prevents contact between the stopper and the inlet during insertion and removal, utilizing a bias member to protrude and retract the stopper, and a step to maintain separation from the inlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stopper member is positioned to engage with the engagement portion for stable attachment, then the developer container is securely retained, but the stopper member may contact the inlet causing waste developer to adhere or spill
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the container body into distinct functional zones by introducing a step portion that creates a first region (where the inlet is located) and a second region (where the engagement portion is located). This spatial segmentation ensures that the inlet and engagement portion are separated in the insertion direction, preventing contact between the stopper member and inlet while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The step portion creates a vertical displacement (in the up-down direction) between the inlet and engagement portion. When the container is inserted, the engagement portion engages with the stopper member at a different vertical level than the inlet, effectively using the vertical dimension to prevent harmful contact while maintaining horizontal engagement stability.
2Productivity
If the inlet is positioned near the first end portion for efficient developer flow, then developer enters the container smoothly, but the inlet may contact the stopper member during insertion causing spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The container body is segmented into a first region containing the inlet optimized for developer flow, and a second region containing the engagement portion. The step portion creates a clear boundary between these regions, allowing the inlet to be positioned for optimal flow efficiency while the engagement portion is positioned to engage with the stopper member without contacting the inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The step portion is pre-formed in the container body to establish a fixed spatial relationship between the inlet and engagement portion before insertion. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that during insertion, the engagement portion will engage with the stopper member at the correct position, preventing the inlet from contacting the stopper member regardless of insertion speed or angle.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer storing device according to the present disclosure includes a developer container and a container support portion which retains the developer container at an attachment position. The container support portion includes a bottom surface support portion and a stopper member. The developer container includes a container body, an inlet, an engagement portion, and a step portion. The inlet is provided on an upper surface of the container body. The engagement portion is provided more on a side of a drawing direction than the inlet on the upper surface of the container body, and engages with the stopper member to restrict a movement of the developer container in the drawing direction. The step portion causes, while the inlet passes by the stopper member when the developer container is inserted or drawn out, the container body to be displaced downwardly so that the inlet is separated from the stopper member.