Toner Screw Support Member Design for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner transportation devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with noise generation and decreased toner fluidity due to bowing of the transportation screw, which increases rotational load and friction, leading to inefficiencies and potential toner caking.
Innovation Solution
A toner transportation device with a support member having an annular bearing portion and radially protruding leg portions that restrict radial movement of the transportation screw, reducing wave-like deformation and rotational load, and utilizing a material with a lower frictional coefficient to minimize sliding friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer diameter of the transportation screw is designed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the transportation path, then the transportation screw can rotate without excessive rotational load, but a clearance is formed between the transportation screw and the transportation path causing the screw to swing radially and hit the inner surface generating noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a close proximity relationship only at specific locations (where the outer edge of spiral protrusion and inner face of cylindrical transportation path are close) rather than uniformly across the entire screw surface. This localized contact zone provides necessary support to prevent radial swinging and noise while maintaining overall rotational smoothness through the clearance design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer edge of the transportation screw is in close proximity with the inner face of the transportation path, then the transportation screw can be stably rotated, but toner may clog the transportation path increasing rotational load and decreasing fluidity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by confining the close proximity relationship to specific localized zones where the outer edge of spiral protrusion approaches the inner face of the transportation path. This localized contact provides rotational stability only where needed, while the remaining clearance areas maintain toner fluidity and prevent clogging by allowing smooth toner flow past the screw.
3Ease of operation
If the clearance between the transportation screw and the transportation path is increased, then the transportation screw can rotate freely without radial constraints, but the screw undergoes significant wave-like deformation when bowed and hits the inner surface generating larger noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by optimizing the clearance dimension to a specific range that balances rotational freedom with deformation control. The clearance is designed to be sufficient for free rotation but small enough to limit the amplitude of wave-like deformations when the screw is bowed, thereby preventing the screw from hitting the transportation path inner surface and generating noise.
4Strength
If the weight of the transportation screw is increased, then the screw has greater structural rigidity, but the noise generated due to hitting becomes larger when the screw is bowed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses parameter changes by optimizing the weight parameter of the transportation screw to achieve a balance between structural rigidity and noise reduction. The screw weight is designed to provide sufficient rigidity to maintain structural integrity while remaining light enough to minimize the amplitude of bowing deformations and associated noise when the screw rotates or is subjected to gravitational forces.
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
The solution effectively suppresses noise from screw contact with the pipe inner surface, maintains smooth toner flow, and reduces the risk of toner caking by minimizing rotational load and frictional heat, enhancing overall transportation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a material with a lower frictional coefficient to minimize sliding friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A toner transportation device(30) according to the present invention includes a transportation screw(35) that has a rotational shaft(35b) and a transportation fin(35a) formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotational shaft(35b) and a toner transportation pipe(31) that has a circular shape in cross section. The transportation screw(35) is rotatably positioned in the toner transportation pipe(31). A support member(40) is attached to the rotational shaft(35b) that has a bearing portion(40a) having an annular shape and rotatably fitted onto the rotational shaft(35b) and that has a plurality of leg portions(40b) radially protruding outward from an outer circumferential surface of the bearing portion(40a). A distance between an axis of the rotational shaft(35b) and a tip(40ba) of each leg portion(40b) is greater than a radius of the transportation fin(35a) and equal to or less than a radius of an inner circumferential surface of the toner transportation pipe(31).