Developer Container Visor Structure to Prevent Toner Lumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer accommodating units are prone to the formation of aggregated lumps, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential issues in image forming devices.
Innovation Solution
A developer accommodating unit design featuring a container with a first and second frame bonded by adhesion, incorporating a stirring member with a rotational shaft and a sheet, and including recessed and projecting portions to prevent developer contact with the end surface, thereby reducing lump formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stirring member is added to prevent developer aggregation, then developer lump formation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a first frame and a second frame that are mutually bonded, creating a segmented structure that allows for integrated design of the accommodating space and visor portion while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The visor portion is merged with the second frame as an integrated component rather than a separate element, combining the structural support function with the developer flow control function in a single unified structure
2Strength
If the sheet contacts the end surface of the recessed portion, then structural support is provided, but developer aggregates form in the corner
Solution Approach 1:
The visor portion is positioned to provide localized protection at the critical corner area where developer aggregation occurs, offering targeted intervention without requiring complete enclosure or complex multi-component structures
Solution Approach 2:
The visor portion acts as an intermediary element between the sheet and the end surface, preventing direct contact that would cause developer aggregation while still providing necessary structural support through its integration with the second frame
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
The design effectively minimizes the formation of developer lumps, ensuring consistent and efficient operation of image forming devices by maintaining developer quality and flow.
Implementation Method 1
a container (29) including a first frame (30) and a second frame (40) mutually bonded by adhesion
Implementation Method 2
a stirring member (32) configured to stir the developer accommodated in the accommodating space by being rotated in a rotational direction
Data Source
AI summary
A developer accommodating unit includes a container and a stirring member. The container includes first and second frames mutually bonded to constitute an accommodating space for a developer. The stirring member stirs the developer by being rotated in a rotational direction and includes a sheet fixed to a rotational shaft. The first frame includes a recessed portion provided along an edge of the first frame and opening toward an upstream side in the rotational direction. The second frame includes a projection provided along an edge of the second frame, projects toward a downstream side in the rotational direction and engages with the recess, and so as to prevent the sheet from contacting an end surface, on the upstream side, of an inner end of the recess and includes a part of an inner wall constituting the accommodating space, a visor provided on a position opposite to the end surface.