Shutter Biasing Mechanism for Developer Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing devices with two-component systems face issues of developer leakage during transportation due to friction, leading to potential damage and staining within image forming apparatuses, which existing solutions address inadequately by using shutters that require manual operation for opening and closing the discharge port.
Innovation Solution
A developer conveying mechanism featuring a pipe-shaped path with a shutter and seal member, where the shutter is biased to close the discharge port, preventing leakage during transport and allowing easy opening during setup, utilizing a coil spring and seal member for secure sealing and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter is attached to the developer discharge portion to close the discharge port, then developer leakage during transportation is prevented, but the device complexity increases and manual operation is required for opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism automatically opens and closes based on the operational state of the developing device. During transportation, the shutter remains closed without manual intervention. When the device is mounted or operated, the shutter automatically opens to allow developer discharge, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter transitions from a static closed position during transportation to a dynamic state where it can automatically open and close based on operational conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the shutter to adapt to different states (transportation vs. operation) without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the shutter is manually opened after mounting the developing device, then developer leakage is prevented during transport, but setup time is increased and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter automatically performs the opening action when the developing device is mounted or operated, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the setup process and improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable prevention of developer leakage during transportation.
3Reliability
If a seal member is attached to the shutter, then sealing performance is improved and developer leakage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member in the form of a flexible ring or film is attached to the shutter. This simple flexible sealing element provides effective sealing between the shutter and the discharge port without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The seal member can be easily attached using conventional methods such as adhesion or interference fit, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving sealing performance.
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 mechanism effectively prevents developer leakage during transportation and facilitates easy setup by ensuring the discharge port remains closed during transit and opens securely when needed, maintaining the internal cleanliness of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, which biases the shutter in the closing direction
Implementation Method 2
The seal member is fixed to a seal affixing surface of the shutter
Data Source
AI summary
A developer conveying mechanism includes a pipe-shaped conveying path that conveys developer and includes a discharge port formed in part of a side surface thereof, a shutter that is slidably attached to the pipe-shaped conveying path and that is selectively arranged at a closing position overlapping with the discharge port and an opening position retreated from the discharge port, a seal member that is fixed to a seal affixing surface of the shutter, and a biasing member that biases the shutter toward the closing position. The shutter includes the seal affixing surface, which is a flat surface, and a pair of engagement portions that are opposite to each other across the seal affixing surface in a circumferential direction of the pipe-shaped conveying path. The pipe-shaped conveying path includes a pair of guide ribs with which the pair of engagement portions slidably engage.