Developer Container Vibration Member Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer containers in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses generate only one vibration per rotation of the stirring member, limiting the effectiveness of toner distribution and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A developer container design featuring a flexible sheet-like conveyance member and a vibration member arranged along an inclined surface with protruding portions, creating first and second gaps that allow for increased vibration and toner conveyance during rotation, enhancing toner distribution and maintenance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sheet-like member is arranged in a vibratable manner on the slant surface of the developer container with an elastic member, then residual toner on the slant surface can be reduced, but only one vibration is generated per rotation of the stirring member
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-like member is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment capable of independent vibration. This segmentation allows multiple vibration points to be generated simultaneously during one rotation of the conveyance member, increasing the overall vibration frequency and improving toner distribution effectiveness without reducing productivity.
2Device complexity
If the stirring member contacts only the distal edge side of the sheet-like member, then the structure is simple, but vibration effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact between the conveyance member and sheet-like member is extended from a single-point contact at the distal edge to a multi-point contact along the length of the sheet-like member. This dimensional expansion of the contact interface enables multiple vibration points to be generated simultaneously, significantly improving vibration effectiveness while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 design generates more vibration in the vibration member per rotation, effectively distributing and utilizing toner within the developer container, reducing residual toner and improving maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyance member (43) configured to convey a developer (toner) T; a vibration member (44) arranged along an inclined surface (24e) opposed to the conveyance member (43) and configured to vibrate through contact with the conveyance member (43)
Implementation Method 2
a vibration member (44) arranged along an inclined surface (24e) opposed to the conveyance member (43) and configured to vibrate through contact with the conveyance member (43)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a developer container, including: a conveyance member configured to convey a developer; a vibration member arranged along an inclined surface opposed to the conveyance member and configured to vibrate through contact with the conveyance member; and a protruding portion protruding from the inclined surface and configured to be held in contact with the vibration member, wherein the conveyance member is a flexible sheet-like member, wherein, under a state in which the vibration member is brought into contact with the protruding portion, a first gap and a second gap are formed between the vibration member and the inclined surface with the protruding portion as a boundary, and wherein at least a part of the first gap and the second gap is located in a region of a rotation locus of the conveyance member.