Toner Container Nozzle Receiver and Shutter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner containers for image forming apparatuses lack a stable holding mechanism that prevents toner leakage and interference with gears during toner conveyance, leading to unstable toner supply and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A powder container design with a conveying nozzle and a nozzle receiver that allows lateral biasing for secure engagement, featuring a gear system, container cover with a gear exposing hole, and a nozzle shutter mechanism to prevent toner leakage and ensure stable conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional toner container without a stable holding mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but toner leakage and contamination occur during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a holding member with holding protrusions that engage with recesses on the container, and a separate pressing member with pressing protrusions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (holding position + applying pressure) while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member is disposed inside the holding member, creating a nested structure where the pressing protrusions are contained within the holding protrusions. This nested arrangement allows the pressing mechanism to be integrated within the holding mechanism without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a conventional toner container without a nozzle shutter mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but toner leakage occurs during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle shutter mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the main container structure. The shutter member with its shutter opening is positioned at the nozzle end of the container, allowing it to independently control toner discharge without complicating the overall container design. This extraction enables focused optimization of the leakage prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle shutter mechanism performs preliminary action by closing the shutter opening before toner conveyance begins and opening it only when needed. This preliminary positioning and control of the shutter ensures that toner leakage is prevented during storage and transport, while allowing controlled discharge during operation.
3Reliability
If a toner container with gear exposing hole and container cover is used, then gear interference is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container cover is designed with local quality variations: it has a gear exposing hole at the gear end that allows the gear to protrude for engagement with the driving force, while other portions of the cover remain closed to protect internal components. This localized opening approach ensures proper gear operation without requiring the entire cover to be open, maintaining reliability while controlling complexity.
4Reliability
If a toner container without lateral biasing engagement is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but toner supply stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member features asymmetric holding protrusions with specific shapes that correspond to recesses on the container. The pressing member similarly has asymmetric pressing protrusions designed to apply lateral biasing force in a specific direction. This asymmetric design ensures stable engagement and reliable toner supply while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through straightforward geometric forms.
Data Source
AI summary
The powder container includes a container body containing a powder for image formation, the powder being to be supplied to a powder replenishing device; a conveyor configured to convey the powder from one end in a longitudinal direction to the other end at which a cylindrical container opening is formed, the conveyor being provided inside the container body; a gear configured to rotate the conveyor with an external driving force; a container cover configured to cover the gear, the container cover having a gear exposing hole for partially exposing a gear tooth; and a nozzle receiver configured to guide the conveying nozzle inside of the container body, the nozzle receiver being provided on the container opening. The container cover includes a container engaged portion provided outer than the tooth of the gear in a radial direction.