Developer Cartridge Shutter Lock Prevents Particle Scatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
When the developer cartridge is removed from the image formation part, developer particles adhered to the periphery of the developer supply port and the developer reception port can scatter, leading to contamination and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image formation unit includes a developer cartridge with a shutter that moves between open and closed positions, and a lock engagement member that rotates to engage with the image formation part, allowing the cartridge to be securely attached and detached without scattering developer particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the developer cartridge is removed from the image formation part, then the developer cartridge can be replaced or maintained, but developer particles adhered to the periphery of the developer supply port and developer reception port scatter around causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is closed before the developer cartridge is removed from the image formation part. This preliminary action prevents developer particles from scattering during the removal process, while still allowing easy cartridge replacement by simply closing the shutter before detaching the cartridge.
2Reliability
If the shutter remains in the open position during cartridge removal, then developer supply is maintained, but developer particles scatter when the cartridge is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is closed before the developer cartridge is removed from the image formation part. This preliminary action prevents developer particles from scattering during the removal process, while still allowing easy cartridge replacement by simply closing the shutter before detaching the cartridge.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation unit according to an embodiment may include: an image formation part with a developer reception port; a developer cartridge including: a developer storage section with a developer supply port; a shutter movable between an open position and a closed position; a lock engagement member; and an operation part configured to be operated to move the shutter and rotate the lock engagement member. When the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position that closes the developer supply port and the lock engagement member rotates in conjunction with movement of the operation part, the lock engagement member is engaged with the image formation part to separate the developer cartridge from a peripheral portion of the developer reception port.