Developer Storage Container Tapered Communication Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer storage containers in image forming apparatuses face issues with toner remaining in the container during replacement and generate impact noise due to protrusions on the outer peripheral surface, and heat transfer from the gear portions can cause toner hardening.
Innovation Solution
The developer storage container design includes a tubular communication portion with an increasing inner diameter, scooping and guide portions to enhance toner conveyance, and a gear portion with a support structure that prevents heat transfer, minimizing noise and toner retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a gear portion is provided on the outer peripheral part of the communication portion to transmit rotational driving force, then the developer storage container can be driven effectively, but heat transfer from the gear portion causes toner hardening
Solution Approach 1:
A support portion is provided that supports the gear portion and communicates with the storage portion. This support structure acts as an intermediary that thermally isolates the gear portion from the storage portion, preventing heat transfer from the gear to the toner while still allowing mechanical force transmission.
2Productivity
If the inner peripheral part of the communication portion is designed to gradually increase in diameter in the conveying direction, then toner conveyance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner peripheral part of the communication portion is designed with a gradually increasing diameter (curved/tapered shape) in the conveying direction. This curved geometry facilitates smooth toner flow and prevents toner accumulation, improving conveyance efficiency without requiring additional mechanical components.
3Power
If protrusions are provided on the outer peripheral surface for driving engagement, then the container can be rotated effectively, but impact noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion serves as an intermediary structure that connects the gear portion to the storage portion. This support structure absorbs and dampens impact forces during engagement, reducing the transmission of impact noise while maintaining effective rotational driving force transmission.
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 reduces toner remaining in the container during replacement and eliminates impact noise, while preventing toner hardening by effective conveyance and heat management.
Implementation Method 1
The storage portion conveys the developer stored inside the storage portion in a conveying direction parallel to the rotation axis by being rotated around the rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A developer storage container includes a storage portion, a communication portion, and a gear portion. The storage portion conveys developer stored therein in a conveying direction parallel to a rotation axis by being rotated around the rotation axis in a specific direction. The communication portion has a tubular shape coaxial to the rotation axis and extending in the conveying direction from an end of the storage portion on a downstream side in the conveying direction, includes an inner peripheral part that gradually increases its diameter in the conveying direction, and connects the storage portion to an opening portion that has an opening facing the conveying direction. The gear portion is provided for an outer peripheral part of the communication portion and receives a rotational driving force supplied from the outside.