Toner Container Stirring Member Attachment Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional toner containers face challenges in ensuring the hermeticity and preventing deformation or breakage of the stirring member during the attachment of the drive transmission member, which can lead to increased torque and potential melting of toner due to friction.

Innovation Solution

The toner container design includes an engaging member attached to one end of the stirring member, which engages with the peripheral edge of the container opening, allowing for the secure attachment of the drive transmission member without applying excessive stress to the stirring member, thus preventing deformation or breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drive transmission member is attached to one end of the stirring member after welding the container body and cover member, then the hermeticity of the toner container can be ensured, but the shaft portion of the stirring member cannot be held during attachment, causing deformation or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermeticity of toner containerVSAvoidintegrity of stirring member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging member is attached to the stirring member before welding the container body and cover member, so that the shaft portion is already held and supported when the drive transmission member is later attached, preventing deformation or breakage during the attachment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging member acts as an intermediary component between the stirring member and the drive transmission member, providing a holding structure that supports the shaft portion during the attachment of the drive transmission member, thereby preventing direct stress on the shaft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the radius of the drive transmission member is increased to increase the reduction ratio, then the number of rotations of the stirring member can be kept low to prevent toner melting, but the size of the drive transmission member becomes large, making it difficult to attach to the stirring member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of bearing portionVSAvoidease of attachment of drive transmission member

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure is segmented into multiple components: the drive transmission member, the engaging member, and the locking member. This segmentation allows the large drive transmission member to be attached through a structured process where the engaging member is first attached to the stirring member, providing support, and then the drive transmission member is attached to the engaging member, making the assembly process feasible despite the large size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration ensures that the stirring member remains undamaged during the attachment of the drive transmission member, maintaining the structural integrity of the toner container and preventing toner melting due to friction, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the image forming apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

an engaging member attached to one end of the stirring member and configured to engage with a peripheral edge portion of an opening formed in the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

When the number of rotations of the stirring member is high, there is a possibility that the bearing portion generates heat due to friction caused by the rotation of the stirring member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

For example, vibration welding is adopted for the welding of the container body and the cover member. In the vibration welding, each of the container body and the cover member is installed in a jig. The jig holds the container body and the cover member in a state of being joined to each other. Vibration is applied to the container body and the cover member in a state of being held by the jig, and thus joining portions of the container body and the cover member are welded.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12271122B2Waste toner container, manufacturing method, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A toner container comprises: a container for containing toner; a stirring member provided inside the container and configured to stir the toner by rotating around an axis; an engaging member attached to one end of the stirring member and configured to engage with a peripheral edge portion of an opening formed in the container; and a drive transmission member attached to the engaging member and configured to rotate the stirring member around the axis. A method of manufacturing the toner container comprises the steps of: installing the stirring member inside of the container body and attaching the engaging member to one end of the stirring member to bring the engaging member into engagement with the peripheral edge portion of the opening; forming the container by welding the container body and the cover member to each other; and attaching the drive transmission member to the engagement member.