Developer Storage Unit Hollow Shaft Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for filling developer storage units in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are complex, requiring separate components and steps, and suffer from reduced filling efficiency due to the need for dedicated filling ports and sealing members, as well as inaccuracies in detecting remaining developer amounts due to scattering by the conveyance unit.
Innovation Solution
A developer storage unit with a rotating shaft having a hollow portion and side opening for filling, integrated with a detection unit and a receiving portion to manage developer scattering, allowing efficient filling and accurate remaining amount detection without additional ports or sealing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a dedicated filling port and sealing member are provided for supplying developer, then the developer can be filled into the storage chamber, but the number of components increases and assembly processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow portion of the rotating shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both the conveyance structure for developer and as the filling port for supplying developer. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated filling port and its associated sealing member, thereby reducing component count and simplifying assembly processing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the filling port function with the conveyance unit by utilizing the hollow portion of the rotating shaft. The drive transmission hole, which already exists for inserting the drive transmission gear, is combined with the filling function, further reducing the number of separate components needed
2Productivity
If a conveyance member is attached to the rotating shaft for stirring and conveying developer, then developer can be effectively conveyed, but the conveyance member may interrupt the filling process through the filling port
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance member is nested within the hollow portion of the rotating shaft, utilizing the existing internal space. This nested configuration allows the conveyance member to operate without protruding through the filling port, preventing interruption of the filling process while maintaining effective developer conveyance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface attachment of the conveyance member to a three-dimensional internal placement within the hollow shaft. This dimensional change allows the conveyance member to be positioned inside the shaft rather than on its exterior, eliminating interference with the filling port
3Device complexity
If developer is supplied through the hollow space of the conveyance unit, then the number of components is reduced, but developer scattering may occur affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion is strategically positioned at a specific location within the hollow shaft where developer naturally accumulates or falls. This localized collection point captures scattered developer before it can interfere with the detection unit, maintaining detection accuracy while preserving the simplified component structure
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 simplifies the assembly process, enhances filling efficiency, and improves the accuracy of developer remaining amount detection by minimizing scattering and the need for separate components, while maintaining the integrity of the detection system.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit which is provided on an inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber arranged on an outside in the turning radius direction of the rotating shaft, and configured to detect an amount of a developer in the interior of the developer storage chamber
Implementation Method 2
a conveyance member which is provided on the rotating shaft, and configured to stir and convey the developer stored in the developer storage chamber by rotation of the rotating shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A developer storage unit includes a receiving portion which is provided on a rotating shaft, and configured to receive a developer falling from a conveyance member.