Developer Storage Container Moving Wall Toner Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developer storage containers in image forming apparatuses lack an efficient mechanism for conveying developer toner, leading to uneven distribution and potential clogging issues at the toner replenishing port, which can disrupt the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A developer storage container design featuring a moving wall and shaft with spirally formed engaging portions, allowing the moving wall to convey toner efficiently towards the toner discharge port, and a pressing mechanism to control the toner flow, ensuring consistent toner supply without the need for sensors to detect toner levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional developer storage container is used without a moving wall mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the developer distribution becomes uneven and clogging occurs at the toner replenishing port
Solution Approach 1:
The moving wall is configured to move back and forth in the storage space along the axial direction of the shaft. This dynamic movement allows the moving wall to actively distribute developer toward the discharge port, preventing uneven distribution and clogging. The moving wall transforms from a static partition to an active conveying mechanism that continuously maintains developer flow stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the moving wall moves only in one direction, then the structure is simpler, but the shaft rotation control becomes limited and cannot accommodate bidirectional rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portions on the shaft and moving wall are designed with asymmetric thread directions. The shaft has externally threaded portions with different helical directions at different locations, while the moving wall has corresponding internally threaded portions. This asymmetric design allows the moving wall to engage with the shaft in both rotational directions, enabling bidirectional shaft rotation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If no pressing mechanism is provided, then the structure is simpler, but the toner flow control is insufficient leading to inconsistent printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism applies localized pressure to the developer at the discharge port area. The moving wall incorporates pressing surfaces that directly contact and press the developer toward the discharge port during its movement. This localized pressing action ensures consistent toner flow control at the critical discharge point without requiring a complex system-wide pressing mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect toner levels, then the toner level detection is accurate, but the device complexity increases and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moving wall serves dual functions: it both conveys developer and provides visual indication of toner levels. As the moving wall moves with the shaft rotation, its position relative to the shaft ends indicates the toner level in the storage space. This self-indicating mechanism eliminates the need for separate sensors and detection systems, reducing device complexity and maintenance needs while providing sufficient toner level information.
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 ensures stable and efficient toner distribution, preventing clogging and maintaining consistent printing quality by adjusting the toner flow based on consumption, thereby extending the toner life and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft includes a first engaging portion spirally formed along the first direction on an outer peripheral surface... The second wall portion includes... a second engaging portion arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion and engageable with the first engaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a developer storage container in which a large change of a developer distributed state due to a backward movement of a moving wall is restrained and an image forming apparatus provided with the developer storage container. A toner container includes a container body, a moving wall and a shaft. The moving wall includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion. When the shaft is rotated in a first rotating direction, the second wall portion presses the first wall portion, whereby the second wall portion moves in a first direction integrally with the first wall portion. When the shaft is rotated in a second rotating direction, the second wall portion relatively moves to an upstream side in the first direction with respect to the first wall portion.