Nozzle Insertion Member Structure for Toner Cohesion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, toner cohesion occurs during the rotation of the toner container, leading to abnormal images with black spots due to toner adherence on the opening/closing member and conveying nozzle, which is not effectively prevented by existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle insertion member with an opening/closing mechanism, supported by a guiding member and biased by a spring, which opens to allow the conveying nozzle to insert and close when separated, reducing toner cohesion by minimizing sliding contact during rotation, and a sealing mechanism to prevent toner leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening/closing member is pressed by the conveying nozzle to open the nozzle insertion opening, then the conveying nozzle can be inserted for toner replenishment, but toner adheres to the opening/closing member and conveying nozzle causing cohesion and black-spot images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the adhered toner from the opening/closing member and conveying nozzle surfaces through the toner removing mechanism, preventing the toner from being conveyed into the image forming apparatus and causing black-spot images
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an air blowing mechanism that blows air onto the opening/closing member and conveying nozzle to remove adhered toner, using air as an intermediary substance to clean the surfaces and prevent toner cohesion
2Reliability
If the opening/closing member remains closed to prevent toner leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but the conveying nozzle cannot be inserted for toner replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing member is designed to be movable between closed and open positions, allowing it to maintain sealing when closed and enable conveying nozzle insertion when opened, thus providing dynamic adaptability for both sealing and replenishment functions
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member preliminarily positions the opening/closing member in the closed state to prevent toner leakage, and the conveying nozzle's insertion force overrides this biasing to open the member for replenishment, after which the biasing member returns the member to closed position
3Ease of operation
If the supporting member guides the opening/closing member to opening and closing positions, then the opening/closing mechanism operates smoothly, but sliding contact during rotation causes toner adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowing mechanism extracts and removes toner that adheres to the supporting member during its rotational movement, preventing the toner from being transferred to the conveying nozzle or image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
Air is used as an intermediary to blow onto the supporting member and remove adhered toner, creating a clean interface between the supporting member and other components during rotation
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 solution effectively prevents toner cohesion and leakage, ensuring consistent image quality by reducing sliding contact and enhancing sealing performance, thereby preventing abnormal images and maintaining the cleanliness of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is provided to the supporting member and biases the opening/closing member toward the closing position
Implementation Method 2
a drive transmitting portion that is formed on an inner surface of the opening and that is configured to come into contact with the drive transmitted portion
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle insertion member is in a powder container that includes a nozzle insertion opening into which a conveying nozzle is inserted. The nozzle insertion member includes an opening/closing structure to move to an opening position to open the nozzle insertion opening by being pressed by the inserted conveying nozzle, and to a closing position to close the nozzle insertion opening when the conveying nozzle is separated from the nozzle insertion member, and a seal arranged at the nozzle insertion opening and including a through hole into which the conveying nozzle is insertable. The opening/closing structure includes a front cylindrical portion to contact with an inner surface of the through hole, and a slide area formed on another side relative to the front cylindrical portion. W1<W4 is satisfied, where W1 is an inner diameter of the through hole, and W4 is an outer diameter of the slide area.