Developer Storage Container with Opposing Rotary Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developer storage containers in image forming apparatuses often experience tunnel-like condensation of toner due to poor fluidity, leading to issues with toner discharge and clogging at the discharge opening.
Innovation Solution
A developer storage container design featuring a rotary member with a first and second conveying member, along with a flexible agitating film, that conveys toner in opposite directions within the container, preventing condensation by ensuring smooth circulation and agitation of toner, even in environments with low fluidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor screw with double structure is used to convey toner, then toner can be conveyed toward the discharge opening, but tunnel-like condensation occurs when toner fluidity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor screw is divided into an inner side and an outer side, with each side having conveying blades that convey toner in opposite directions. This segmentation allows the inner side to convey toner toward the discharge opening while the outer side prevents condensation by conveying toner in the opposite direction, resolving the tunnel-like condensation problem while maintaining conveyance efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The outer side of the conveyor screw conveys toner in a direction opposite to the inner side. This inverted conveying direction on the outer side creates a counter-flow effect that prevents toner from condensing in the tunnel-like region, while the inner side continues to efficiently convey toner toward the discharge opening
2Productivity
If conveyor screw rotates to convey toner, then toner moves toward discharge opening, but toner located outside the cylindrical space formed by rotation has trouble flowing
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor screw is segmented into inner and outer sides with conveying blades on both sides. This segmentation ensures that toner both inside and outside the cylindrical rotation space is actively conveyed - the inner side handles toner near the axis while the outer side handles toner at the periphery, achieving uniform toner flow throughout the container
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor screw structure changes the flow parameters by creating two opposing flow fields. The inner side creates a forward flow toward the discharge opening while the outer side creates a backward flow, resulting in a more uniform distribution of toner velocity and pressure throughout the container, improving ease of operation
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 solution effectively suppresses tunnel-like condensation, ensuring efficient toner discharge and preventing clogging, thereby maintaining the container's functionality and the image forming apparatus's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary member includes a rotary shaft, a first conveying member, a second conveying member and a flexible member. The first conveying member conveys the developer in a first conveying direction from the tubular portion toward the container main body. The second conveying member conveys the developer in a second conveying direction from the container main body toward the tubular portion.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible member extends from the circumferential surface of the first section of the rotary shaft in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotary shaft and includes a fixed end portion fixed onto the circumferential surface of the rotary shaft and a free end portion arranged at a side radially outward of the second conveying member.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A developer storage container (50) includes a container main body (51), a tubular portion (52) projecting from the container main body and including a developer discharge opening (521), and a rotary member (54) extending from the container main body to the tubular portion and having a function of conveying the developer in the container main body. The rotary member (54) includes a first section (54A) located in the container main body and a second section (54B) located in the tubular portion. A first conveying member (55) for conveying the developer from the tubular portion side toward the container main body side, a second conveying member (56) for conveying the developer in an opposite direction, and a flexible member (80) are mounted on the rotary shaft. The flexible member (80) includes a fixed end portion (80a) fixed onto the circumferential surface of the rotary shaft and a free end portion (80b) arranged at a side radially outward of the second conveying member.