Developing Device Shutter and Squeezing Mechanism for Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face instability issues when connecting and disconnecting developer containers, leading to potential contamination due to developer leakage and uneven developer distribution.
Innovation Solution
A developing device equipped with a shutter mechanism and a squeezing mechanism that selectively opens and closes the feed port, ensuring stable connection and disconnection of the developer container, preventing developer leakage and maintaining even distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is removed from the developing device, then the container can be detached for replacement or refilling, but the layer surface of the developer in the housing may become substantially flush with the feed port, causing potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is activated before the container is completely removed to close the feed port in advance. This preliminary action prevents developer from being exposed to the external environment before the container detachment is complete, thereby avoiding contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the container is unstably attached to the developing device, then the arrangement of the container can be more flexible, but the housing of the container may scrape out the developer from the housing of the developing device near the feed port
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism closes the feed port before the container is detached or moved into an unstable position. This preliminary protective action counteracts the potential harmful effect of developer scattering that would occur if the container were to scrape against the developer, allowing flexible container arrangement while preventing contamination.
3Ease of operation
If the feed port remains open during container attachment and disconnection, then the container can be easily connected and disconnected, but developer leakage occurs contaminating the image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is activated to close the feed port before the container is fully detached, and remains closed during the connection/disconnection process. This preliminary protective action prevents developer leakage while maintaining ease of operation by allowing the container to be connected and disconnected without exposing the developer to the external environment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a developing device including a housing having a connection surface to which the container connects. The connection surface is provided with a feed port for feeding the developer. The developing device includes a shutter mechanism configured to selectively open and close the feed port. The shutter mechanism includes a shutter piece, which moves between a closing position for closing the feed port and an opening position for opening the feed port, and a squeezing mechanism, which protrudes from the shutter piece situated in the closing position to squeeze the developer into the housing through the feed port.