Toner Container Segmentation for Efficient Discharge and Waste Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner containers in image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in toner distribution and waste toner collection, leading to potential toner deterioration and unnecessary consumption during non-image formation.
Innovation Solution
A toner container design with a first chamber for toner discharge, a second chamber for waste toner collection, and an air supply unit aligned along a rotational axis, featuring a stirring member and independent control of toner and air conveyance mechanisms to optimize toner distribution and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single chamber structure is used for both toner supply and waste collection, then the device complexity is reduced, but toner distribution efficiency deteriorates and toner deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The toner container is divided into a first chamber for accommodating fresh toner and a second chamber for collecting waste toner. This segmentation allows independent management of toner supply and waste collection functions, preventing contamination between fresh and waste toner while maintaining efficient toner distribution to the developing unit.
2Device complexity
If toner and waste collection are controlled by a single mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but unnecessary toner consumption occurs during non-image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control mechanisms for the first chamber (toner supply) and second chamber (waste collection). This allows the toner supply mechanism to be controlled independently based on actual image formation needs, preventing unnecessary toner consumption during non-image formation periods while the waste collection operates independently to maintain proper toner levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner supply mechanism incorporates dynamic control where the supply of toner from the first chamber to the developing unit is adjusted based on operational status. During non-image formation, the supply is minimized or stopped, while during active printing, toner is supplied as needed, optimizing consumption and preventing waste.
3Manufacturing precision
If the air supply unit is positioned away from the outlet port, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the toner discharge efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply unit is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the outlet port, specifically in the axial direction of the stirrer rather than radially adjacent. This dimensional arrangement allows the air supply to effectively reach the toner for discharge while maintaining proper manufacturing tolerances and component positioning for the stirrer and other rotating elements.
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
Enhances toner distribution efficiency, reduces toner deterioration, and minimizes unnecessary consumption by allowing independent control of toner supply and waste collection, improving overall performance and longevity of the toner container.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply unit configured to supply air for discharging the toner accommodated in the first chamber to outside of the toner container through the outlet port
Implementation Method 2
a stirring member configured to stir the toner accommodated in the first chamber and to rotate about a rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A toner container includes a first chamber for accommodating toner and provided with an outlet port through which the toner is discharged outside of the toner container, a second chamber provided with an inlet port and for accommodating toner to be received from an outside of the toner container through the inlet port, a stirring member for stirring the toner accommodated in the first chamber and to rotate about a rotational axis, and an air supply unit configured to supply air for discharging the toner accommodated in the first chamber to an outside of the toner container through the outlet port. The air supply unit, the first chamber, and the second chamber are aligned in this order in a direction of the rotational axis.