Nozzle Receiver Shutter Mechanism for Toner Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotography image forming apparatuses, the opening/closing member of the toner container is often compressed and cohered with toner, preventing it from moving to the closing position when detached from the powder container, leading to potential toner leakage and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle receiver with a container shutter supporter and spring mechanism is implemented, allowing the container shutter to move freely and ensuring the opening/closing function is maintained, even when toner fluidity is low, by optimizing the shape and configuration of the shutter supporter to prevent toner cohesion and ensure proper closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the opening/closing member is moved to the opening position by the conveying nozzle, then toner can be supplied from the powder storage, but the toner moves and compresses without escape path, causing the opening/closing member to cohere with toner and fail to return to the closing position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an escape path structure at specific locations (side surface or bottom of powder storage) to create localized toner flow channels. This allows toner to escape from specific regions while maintaining the overall sealing structure, preventing the opening/closing member from cohering with compressed toner and ensuring reliable return movement to the closing position.
2Device complexity
If the opening/closing member structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but toner compression and cohesion occur, preventing proper closure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the powder storage structure by adding escape path openings at specific locations (side surfaces or bottom). This segmentation allows toner to be divided into different flow paths - some toner moves with the opening/closing member while other toner escapes through the designated paths, preventing overall cohesion and maintaining closure functionality without complex mechanisms.
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 leakage and ensures smooth operation by maintaining the opening/closing functionality of the toner container, even when toner fluidity is low, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism is implemented, allowing the container shutter to move freely
Data Source
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AI summary
A nozzle receiver is to be arranged in a powder container used in an image forming apparatus. The nozzle receiver includes a nozzle receiving opening, in which a conveying nozzle for conveying powder supplied from the powder container is inserted in the image forming apparatus; an opening/closing member to open and to close the nozzle receiving opening; and a supporter to support the opening/closing member. The opening/closing member includes a sealing portion to seal the nozzle insertion opening. The supporter includes an end surface portion perpendicular to a moving direction of the opening/closing member. The projection area of the end surface portion in the moving direction of the opening/closing member is smaller than a projection area of the sealing portion in the moving direction of the opening/closing member.