Multi-Bottle Toner Supply Layout for Continuous Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with toner bottle replacement frequency, increased labor costs, degraded productivity, and image quality due to toner aggregation and clogging when larger toner bottles are used, and poor workability due to increased weight and size.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a dual toner container system with attachable and detachable toner bottles, each containing the same color toner, and a mechanism to evenly distribute toner using DC motors and conveyance screws, ensuring stable rotation and reduced motor load, preventing toner aggregation, and improving user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the size of the toner bottle is increased to increase toner containing amount, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight of the toner bottle is increased requiring larger motor torque
Solution Approach 1:
The toner supply system is divided into multiple separate toner bottles instead of using a single large bottle. Each bottle is smaller in size and weight, allowing the motor to rotate them easily while providing sufficient total toner capacity through the use of multiple bottles arranged in the toner container.
2Quantity of substance
If the size of the toner bottle is increased, then the toner containing amount is increased, but the toner is likely to be aggregated near the opening causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple smaller toner bottles instead of a single large bottle, the toner quantity in each bottle is reduced, preventing aggregation near the opening. The multiple bottles are arranged to supply toner to different locations or in sequence, maintaining uniform toner distribution and preventing image defects.
Solution Approach 2:
A vibration mechanism is provided that vibrates the toner bottles during rotation to prevent toner aggregation. The vibration disperses toner particles uniformly along the rotation path, ensuring consistent toner discharge from the opening without forming lumps that would cause image defects.
3Quantity of substance
If the size and weight of the toner bottle are increased, then the toner containing amount is increased, but the work load for attachment is increased degrading workability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small toner bottles instead of one large heavy bottle. Each small bottle is easy for users to handle, attach, and remove without excessive physical effort. The cumulative toner capacity is achieved through the arrangement of multiple bottles, maintaining user-friendly operation while providing sufficient toner supply.
4Area of stationary object
If the toner bottle is arranged in an upper part of the image forming apparatus, then space utilization is improved, but lifting the toner bottle to its height increases work load
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lightweight toner bottles are used instead of a single heavy bottle. Even when arranged in upper positions for optimal space utilization, the individual small bottles require minimal lifting effort from users. The total toner capacity is distributed across multiple positions, maintaining ease of operation while achieving efficient space usage.
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 design allows for continuous printing without stopping, maintains image quality, reduces labor costs, and enhances workability by minimizing the need for frequent toner bottle replacements and preventing toner clogging, thus improving overall efficiency and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyance screw that conveys the toner from the toner container to the developing device
Implementation Method 2
a motor that rotates the toner container, wherein the opening of the toner container is positioned at a lower side in a rotation direction of the toner container
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus by which a toner image is formable on a continuous sheet includes a developing device that develops a latent image formed on an image bearing member to form a toner image, and a toner container that contains a toner to be supplied to the developing device, and is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus, wherein a plurality of the toner containers containing toners of a same color are arranged.