Toner Container Elastic Sheet Prevents Outlet Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner agglomeration can block the toner outlet in existing toner containers, leading to defective toner supply in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A toner container design featuring a cylindrical container body with a rotating mechanism and a cap having a toner outlet, where a sheet member with elastic deformation portions is used inside the cap to prevent toner agglomeration by constantly loosening toner near the outlet and scraping off adhering toner from the inner wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple cap structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the toner outlet may be blocked by agglomerated toner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sheet member made of elastic material that can deform and rebound. This thin film structure is attached inside the cap to interact with toner agglomerates, using its elasticity to scrape off and disperse toner that accumulates near the outlet, thereby preventing blockages without requiring a complex mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member is designed to dynamically respond to toner flow and agglomeration. As the container body rotates and toner moves toward the outlet, the flexible sheet member naturally deforms and repositions itself, actively engaging with toner aggregates to prevent them from blocking the outlet. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for additional actuating mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the container body rotates to transport toner, then the toner discharge efficiency is improved, but toner may agglomerate and block the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet member acts as an intermediary between the rotating container body and the stationary cap outlet. It mediates the interaction by absorbing the mechanical energy of rotating toner and converting it into a scraping action that prevents agglomeration, allowing efficient toner transport without blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation of the container body creates dynamic motion that, in combination with the flexible sheet member, generates vibrational effects. This mechanical vibration helps to prevent toner from settling and agglomerating in a static position, maintaining flow and preventing outlet blockage while preserving discharge efficiency.
3Device complexity
If no stirring mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but toner agglomeration occurs near the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet member performs the stirring function autonomously without requiring an external power source or control system. As toner flows and the container rotates, the sheet member self-activates through deformation and rebound, automatically scraping and dispersing agglomerates. This self-service mechanism provides reliable agglomeration prevention while maintaining simple device architecture.
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
Prevents toner outlet blockage, ensuring satisfactory toner discharge and reducing defective toner supply to developing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic-deformation portion (34f1) that is elastically deformable and located near the toner outlet (W)
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic-deformation portion (34f2) that is elastically deformable and located in the container body (33Y) and near the opening (A)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A toner container (32Y) includes a cylindrical container body (33Y) having a head with an opening (A) in the head, a cap (34Y) into which the head of the container body (33Y) is inserted, and a sheet member (34f) attached inside the cap (34Y). The cylindrical container body (33Y) rotates around a rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the container body (33Y) to transport toner contained in the container body (33Y) toward the opening (A). The cap (34Y) has a toner outlet (W) through which the toner discharged from the opening (A) is discharged outside the toner container (32Y). The sheet member (34f) includes a first elastic-deformation portion (34f1) that is elastically deformable and located near the toner outlet (W), and a second elastic-deformation portion (34f2) that is elastically deformable and located in the container body (33Y) and near the opening (A).