Powder Container Gear Positioning for Nozzle Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the transfer of toner from a powder container to a replenishing device is hindered by the pressure generated at the gear meshing point, leading to increased load on the conveying nozzle or nozzle receiver, potentially causing breakage or toner leakage due to improper attachment alignment.
Innovation Solution
A powder container design where the container gear meshes with the apparatus main-body gear closer to the opening than the powder receiving hole, reducing the load transmitted and stabilizing the attachment, thus preventing nozzle breakage and toner leakage by ensuring proper alignment and stable meshing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container gear is driven by the apparatus main-body gear, then the conveyor is driven to transfer toner, but pressure is generated at the gear meshing point that increases load on the conveying nozzle or nozzle receiver, potentially causing breakage or toner leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gear meshing function from the toner transfer function by providing a dedicated gear receiving section separate from the toner transfer path. The container gear meshes with the apparatus main-body gear in a dedicated space, isolating the pressure generation from the conveying nozzle and nozzle receiver, thus resolving the contradiction between efficient toner transfer and nozzle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear receiving section acts as an intermediary structure that accommodates the gear meshing operation. By providing this intermediate space and structure, the patent allows the gear-driven conveyor to operate efficiently while preventing the direct transmission of meshing pressure to the conveying nozzle or nozzle receiver, thereby protecting these components from breakage or leakage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gear meshing position is not properly determined, then the container may be improperly attached, but this increases load on the conveying nozzle or nozzle receiver, causing breakage or toner leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning action by providing a gear receiving section that pre-determines the correct attachment position of the container. The container gear must mesh with the apparatus main-body gear in this predetermined location, ensuring proper alignment before the container is fully attached. This preliminary positioning prevents improper attachment while maintaining reliable and stable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a simpler gear-meshing-based positioning system. The requirement that the container gear must mesh with the apparatus main-body gear in the gear receiving section provides automatic mechanical alignment, substituting for more complex positioning mechanisms and ensuring both proper attachment and reliable stability.
3Strength
If the container gear is positioned closer to the opening than the powder receiving hole, then the load on the conveying nozzle is reduced, but the gear arrangement must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-positioning through the gear meshing mechanism itself. The container gear and apparatus main-body gear are designed to mesh only at the correct position in the gear receiving section, automatically ensuring the container is positioned with the gear closer to the opening than the powder receiving hole. This self-service positioning reduces nozzle load while eliminating the need for external precision control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the gear meshing geometry as a template or copy for positioning. The specific geometric relationship between the container gear and apparatus main-body gear creates a reproducible positioning pattern that ensures consistent, precise placement of the container relative to the opening and powder receiving hole, achieving the required positioning precision through repeated geometric copying.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder container contains powder and is attached to an image forming apparatus including: a conveying nozzle to convey the powder; a powder receiving hole of the conveying nozzle to receive the powder from the powder container; an apparatus main-body gear to transmit a driving force to the powder container; and a container receiving section including the conveying nozzle and receiving the powder container. The powder container includes: an opening at one end of the powder container in a longitudinal direction; a nozzle receiver at the opening to receive the conveying nozzle; a conveyor to convey the powder; and a container gear to drive the conveyor by meshing with the apparatus main-body gear. The container gear is to mesh with the apparatus main-body gear at a position closer to the opening than the powder receiving hole in the longitudinal direction. The opening is to mate with the container receiving section.