Toner Container Shutter and Oblique Geometry for Stable Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner containers with plug members face issues of toner spilling or flying during replacement, and unstable toner discharge due to toner clumping when stored vertically, affecting the reliability of toner supply in image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A powder container design featuring a nozzle receiver with a transport nozzle inlet and a shutter that opens to allow reliable toner discharge, preventing spilling and flying by securing a space around the supply port and using lift-up sections to manage toner accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug member is used to close the opening of the toner container, then toner spillage during storage and transportation is prevented, but toner may spill or fly out during replacement when the plug member is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from a separate plug member and integrates it into the container lid itself. The lid includes a closing portion that fits into a closing groove to seal the opening, while the ejection prevention protrusion on the lid prevents toner ejection during replacement. This integration eliminates the need for a separate removable plug member, allowing the lid to provide both sealing and ejection prevention functions simultaneously.
2Volume of stationary object
If the toner container is stored in a standing state with the opening facing downward, then storage space is optimized, but toner clumps together due to its own weight around the opening causing unstable toner discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the toner clumping issue by introducing a dimensional solution through the container geometry. The oblique side surfaces of the container body create a sloped configuration that prevents toner accumulation at the bottom near the opening. This geometric design allows toner to be discharged stably even when the container is stored vertically with the opening downward, as the oblique surfaces guide toner flow and prevent clumping.
3Length of moving object
If the toner container is made longer in the axis line direction to improve storage positioning, then storage stability is improved, but toner discharge reliability deteriorates due to accumulation near the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention solves the toner accumulation problem caused by increased container length by introducing oblique side surfaces. These sloped surfaces create a geometric configuration that prevents toner from accumulating near the opening, even in a longer container. The oblique angles guide toner flow away from the opening area, ensuring reliable discharge regardless of the container's increased length for better storage positioning.
4Ease of operation
If the nozzle receiving hole remains open for easy nozzle insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but toner spills and flies out during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the lid with the closing portion and ejection prevention protrusion before the replacement operation begins. The closing portion is designed to fit into the closing groove, and the ejection prevention protrusion is positioned to block the nozzle receiving hole. During replacement, when the lid is removed, these features have already prepared the system to prevent toner ejection, allowing the nozzle receiving hole to remain accessible while maintaining toner containment.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a powder container having a new structure capable of stable discharge and transport of a powder contained in a container by enabling the powder to be reliably discharged to the outside of the package while preventing the powder from spilling and flying out of the container. The powder container has a container body (138) for transporting powder contained therein from a first end side (138a) to a second end side (138b) thereof by self-rotating; a nozzle receiver (139) having a nozzle receiving hole (insertion section) (139a) arranged inside the second end side of the container body and configured to allow a transport nozzle (162) having a powder receiving inlet (170) to be inserted therein, and a supply port 139b arranged in at least a part of the nozzle receiver (139) and configured to supply the powder in the container body (138) to the powder receiving inlet (170): and a shutter (140) supported by the nozzle receiver 139 and configured to open and close the nozzle receiving hole (insertion section) 139a by sliding in response to insertion of the transport nozzle 162 into the nozzle receiver (139).