Developer Container Toner Conveyance Against Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electro-photographic image forming apparatuses, the existing methods for conveying developer from a container to a development chamber are prone to misalignment, leading to a reduction in the amount of developer supplied, which affects image quality due to gravitational forces and the design of the developer containing chamber.
Innovation Solution
A toner conveyance configuration using a toner conveyance member with a first sheet member and a second sheet member, where the first sheet member is deformed and then restored to convey toner against gravitational forces, with a recessed portion and a release portion to prevent toner from falling off, and a remaining amount detection unit to ensure accurate detection and retention of toner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light-transmission method is used to detect remaining developer amount, then the detection function is added to allow user replacement at proper timing, but the device complexity increases due to additional light emitting and receiving elements
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding member serves dual functions: it guides the detection light path for remaining developer amount detection, and simultaneously serves as a structural component for conveying developer from the containing chamber to the development chamber. This eliminates the need for separate light guiding structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the detection function.
2Productivity
If developer is conveyed from a lower containing chamber to an upper development chamber, then the developer supply function is achieved, but toner loss occurs due to gravitational forces causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding member is designed as a flexible, deformable structure that can dynamically adjust its shape during the conveyance process. It deforms to extend toward the development chamber opening to guide developer flow, then restores to its original position, creating a dynamic conveyance mechanism that prevents toner loss while maintaining supply efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding member is constructed as a flexible thin-walled structure that can be elastically deformed and restored. This flexibility allows it to adapt its shape for effective developer conveyance against gravity while maintaining structural integrity, preventing toner spillage through controlled deformation and restoration cycles.
3Productivity
If the light guiding member is constantly deformed to convey developer, then the conveyance efficiency is improved, but the durability of the light guiding member deteriorates due to continuous elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding member undergoes periodic deformation and restoration cycles synchronized with the developer conveyance process. It deforms only when needed to guide developer flow, then restores to its original position, creating a rhythmic, periodic action pattern that reduces cumulative stress and extends the component's service life while maintaining conveyance efficiency.
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 efficient conveyance of developer, maintaining image quality by preventing toner loss and accurately detecting remaining toner amounts, thus optimizing the developer supply process.
Implementation Method 1
a light path passing through a developer containing chamber is created by a light emitting element such as an LED and a light receiving element such as a phototransistor, and an amount of remaining developer is detected based on a time period during which the light path is blocked by the developer
Implementation Method 2
the sheet member is elastically deformed by making the sheet member abut on a side wall of the developer containing chamber, and at the restoration position, the elastic deformation of the sheet member is released
Data Source
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AI summary
A developer container includes a conveyance member having at least a first sheet member and a second sheet member and configured to convey the developer, a deformation portion provided to contact the first sheet member and configured to elastically deform the first sheet member, and a release portion configured to release elastic deformation of the first sheet member to cause the developer on the first sheet member to fly toward an opening, wherein a containing chamber includes a recessed portion as viewed in a lengthwise direction of the containing chamber and wherein the second sheet member is in contact with a wall inside the recessed portion when the developer on the first sheet member is positioned at the release portion.