Developer Container Moveable Wall Tilt Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer containers in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently discharging toner or developer, leading to issues such as clogging and reduced printing efficiency due to the design of the toner discharge outlet and the movement of the moveable wall, which can result in incomplete toner usage and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The developer container incorporates a moveable wall with a tilt restricting mechanism and a developer discharge outlet positioned at the bottom of the container body, allowing for efficient toner discharge through a tubular shape and a shaft with an external thread that engages with an internal thread, ensuring the moveable wall stops at a final position to prevent tilting and ensure complete toner usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the developer discharge outlet is positioned at the bottom of the container body, then toner discharge efficiency is improved, but the moveable wall may tilt relative to the first direction when reaching the final position
Solution Approach 1:
A tilt restricting mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the moveable wall and the container body. This mechanism includes a restricting protrusion on the moveable wall that fits into a restricting groove on the container body, preventing tilting of the moveable wall while allowing it to reach the final position for efficient toner discharge.
2Ease of operation
If the moveable wall is designed to move freely along the shaft, then toner discharge is facilitated, but the moveable wall may rotate or tilt instead of moving linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable wall is segmented into functional components: the conveying surface for toner discharge, the outer circumferential section for sealing contact with the container body, and the restricting protrusion for preventing rotation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall stability during linear movement along the shaft.
3Reliability
If the external thread engages with the internal thread over a long engagement section, then the moveable wall is securely driven, but the shaft becomes longer and the device more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The external thread on the shaft is designed with non-uniform engagement characteristics: a first engagement section with a larger engagement angle for secure drive transmission, and a second engagement section with a smaller engagement angle for controlled movement. This local differentiation of thread geometry provides reliable drive transmission without requiring excessive shaft length, reducing overall device complexity.
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 enhances the efficiency of toner discharge, reduces clogging, and ensures that the toner is fully utilized, improving the overall performance and reliability of the image forming apparatus by preventing toner from flowing back into the internal space.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft has an external thread on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The bearing has an internal thread on an inner circumferential surface thereof that engages with the external thread.
Implementation Method 2
The moveable wall moves in the first direction from an initial position at one side of the internal space to a final position at another side of the internal space while conveying the developer toward the developer discharge outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner container includes a container body, a toner discharge outlet, and a moveable wall. The container body includes an inner circumferential section having a tubular shape extending in a first direction and an internal space. The toner discharge outlet passes through the container body. The moveable wall includes a conveying surface and an outer circumferential section in sealed contact with the inner circumferential section of the container body. The moveable wall moves in the first direction along a shaft while conveying developer toward the toner discharge outlet. The shaft includes a moveable wall support section that supports the moveable wall when the moveable wall reaches a final position.