Developing Device Shutter Member for Toner Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing toner from flowing into the developing device before it is started up, leading to potential image defects and increased complexity in toner container design.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shutter member and a supply member that rotates to open the toner supply path, ensuring the toner does not enter the developing device until it is ready for use, thereby preventing premature toner flow and condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter mechanism is added to prevent premature toner flow, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is integrated into the developing device structure, combining the shutter function with the existing developing device components. The supply member that rotates to open the supply path is also integrated, merging multiple functions into unified structures to minimize additional complexity while achieving reliable toner flow control.
2Productivity
If toner supply path is opened earlier, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to toner condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is positioned and ready to open the supply path in advance, but remains closed during transport and storage. The rotating supply member is pre-configured to open the path automatically when needed, ensuring toner flows only when the developing device is ready for operation, preventing condensation while maintaining productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If toner container capacity is increased, then quantity of substance is improved, but device complexity increases due to shutdown mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is extracted from the toner container itself and placed within the developing device. This allows the toner container to maintain simple structure with maximum capacity, while the developing device contains the complexity of the shutter and rotating supply member that control toner flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming structure includes an image holding member holding a latent image and an image obtained by developing the latent image, a developing device developing the latent image on the image holding member with a powder to form an image on the image holding member, a container mounting section demountably mounted with a container storing a powder to be supplied to the developing device, a shutter member that is disposed in a supply path including a powder introducing portion of the developing device and that blocks the supply path, and a supply member that is disposed at a position where the supply member engages with the shutter member and that rotates to supply the powder in a direction of a rotation shaft, wherein the supply member rotates to move the shutter member to an open position where the supply path is opened.