Vibrating Toner Transport Pipe Prevents Solidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner transport devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing toner retention and solidification within the transport path, particularly in up-and-down configurations, due to structural limitations and mechanisms like accordion pipes and spring agitators which can cause toner to adhere and solidify.
Innovation Solution
A toner transport device with a toner transport path extending in an up-and-down direction, supported by a moving member that vibrates both upward and downward, preventing toner retention and solidification through even vibration, and featuring a smooth internal surface without protrusions or concaves, along with deformable elastic members to ensure seamless toner flow and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an accordion pipe is used as a toner transport path in an up-and-down direction, then the transport path can be flexible and adaptable, but toner easily remains and solidifies in portions away from the rotator
Solution Approach 1:
The transport path is changed from a static accordion pipe to a dynamic flexible tube that moves up and down together with the developing device. This movement prevents toner from remaining and solidifying in the transport path, while the tube's flexibility maintains adaptability for the up-and-down configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport path is divided into multiple sections: a flexible tube connecting the toner hopper to the developing device, and a separate agitation mechanism (rotator with blades) that actively prevents toner solidification. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently.
2Reliability
If a rotator with protrusions is used to hit the accordion pipe, then toner in pleats can be dislodged, but impacts and vibrations cause toner to solidify in portions away from the rotator
Solution Approach 1:
Blades are introduced as an intermediary element between the rotator and the flexible tube. The blades directly contact and agitate the toner within the tube, achieving effective toner discharge without transmitting harmful impacts and vibrations to the tube structure that would cause distant solidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical impact system (rotator hitting the pipe externally) is replaced with a direct agitation system (blades rotating inside the tube). This substitution provides more controlled and localized toner agitation, preventing the propagation of harmful vibrations.
3Reliability
If a spring agitator is disposed inside the transport path, then toner adhesion to the inner wall can be prevented, but the spring agitator itself becomes a cause of restricting toner transport
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the flexible tube is given a smooth, non-stick coating (analogous to a surface property change) that prevents toner from adhering to the wall. This eliminates the need for mechanical agitators like spring agitators, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable toner transport.
4Strength
If the transport path has protrusions or concaves, then structural support is provided, but toner retention and solidification occur more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tube is designed with uniform smoothness throughout its entire length, eliminating localized protrusions and concaves. The tube's flexibility and structural integrity are maintained through its material properties and support structure rather than through surface irregularities, ensuring continuous and reliable toner flow.
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
Effectively prevents toner retention and solidification within the transport path, ensuring smooth toner flow and reliable operation without the need for complex structures like spring agitators or accordion configurations, enhancing the functionality of toner transport devices.
Implementation Method 1
a toner transport member disposed so as to have an up-and-down direction in which the toner transport path extends; and a supporting member for supporting the toner transport member, the toner transport member being supported by the supporting member so as to move up and down
Data Source
AI summary
A toner transport device includes a toner transport path for passing toner, and a toner transport pipe disposed so as to have an up-and-down direction in which the toner transport path extends. Further, the toner transport device includes a pipe supporting member for supporting the toner transport pipe, which is supported so as to move up and down. This allows the toner transport pipe to vibrate up and down, thereby properly preventing retention and solidification of toner inside the toner transport path.