Paper-Based Developer Container With Resin Nozzle for Direct Toner Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer containers in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently replenishing toner due to complex and costly mechanisms, often requiring the exchange of entire units rather than just the developer supply.
Innovation Solution
A developer container design utilizing a paper-based container member and resin nozzle with specific alignment and folding configurations to facilitate efficient toner discharge, allowing for direct toner replenishment without replacing the entire unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex replenishing pack mechanism with welding and shutter components is used, then the developer container can control toner discharge, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toner discharge control function from a complex mechanical shutter mechanism and relocates it to a simple paper-based folding structure. The paper container member is folded at specific positions to open or close the discharge passage, eliminating the need for separate shutter components while maintaining reliable toner discharge control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable paper-based container member that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. The paper container with its folding mechanism replaces expensive, complex mechanical replenishing packs, enabling cost-effective single-use or limited-use developer containers that are discarded after toner depletion.
2Ease of manufacture
If the entire unit is exchanged instead of just the developer, then the developer container can be simplified, but the loss of time and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the developer container into a reusable main body (nozzle and passage) and a replaceable paper container member. This segmentation allows users to replace only the depleted paper container while retaining the expensive nozzle assembly, reducing both time and resource loss during replenishment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective discarding of the paper container member after toner depletion while recovering and reusing the nozzle component. This approach minimizes waste and reduces the frequency of complete unit replacements, thereby decreasing the time and resources lost during the replenishment process.
3Ease of manufacture
If paper-based materials are used for the container member and coupling member, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the strength and durability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the flexibility and tensile strength of paper-based materials to create a durable container member. The paper is formed into a three-dimensional bag shape with folding mechanisms that provide structural integrity. This flexible shell approach maintains cost-effectiveness while achieving sufficient strength for containing and discharging toner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines paper-based materials with strategic folding and joining configurations to create a composite structure that enhances durability. The multi-layer paper construction with folded edges and joined sections provides mechanical strength comparable to more expensive materials, while maintaining the cost advantages of paper-based manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes a container member, a coupling member and a nozzle. The container member accommodates a developer and constitutes an accommodating portion provided with an opening portion. The coupling member is attached to the opening portion. The nozzle includes a discharging opening coupled to the container member via the coupling member and for permitting discharge of the developer to an outside and a passage for passing the developer from the opening portion of the accommodating portion to the discharge opening.A main component of the container member and the coupling member is a paper, and a main component of the nozzle is a resin.