Developer Container Shutter Locking for Cleaner Image-Forming Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operability of attaching a developer container to an image forming apparatus is not optimized, particularly in configurations where the container is detachable.

Innovation Solution

A developer container system with a discharging portion, container shutter, and rotating member, along with a rotation restricting mechanism, ensures the container is easily attached by engaging and rotating components to facilitate seamless integration with the image forming apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a detachable developer container is used, then the developer container can be easily removed and replaced, but the operability of attaching the container to the image forming apparatus is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability of attaching developer containerVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into multiple independent engaging portions: a discharging portion engaging portion on the container, a frame engaged portion on the frame, and a rotating member engaged portion on the shutter. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall attachment process simpler and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container shutter is designed to automatically move to the close position before the container can be fully attached to the image forming apparatus. This preliminary action ensures that the container opening is sealed before the container is inserted into the receiving port, preventing developer leakage during the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the container shutter is opened during attachment, then the container opening can be accessed, but developer may leak outside the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of container openingVSAvoiddeveloper leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container shutter is designed to automatically move to the close position before the container can be fully attached to the image forming apparatus. This preliminary action ensures that the container opening is sealed before the container is inserted into the receiving port, preventing developer leakage during the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating member acts as an intermediary component that transfers the attachment action to both the discharging portion and the container shutter. It ensures that the shutter closes before the container is fully inserted, serving as a mediator between the attachment process and the sealing action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the discharging portion is freely rotatable, then the container can be easily positioned, but the rotation cannot be restricted when not attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning of containerVSAvoidrotation restriction when not attached
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation restricting mechanism dynamically changes its state based on whether the container is attached or not. When the container is attached, the restricting member moves to the allowable position, allowing the discharging portion to rotate freely for positioning. When not attached, the restricting member moves to the restricting position, preventing rotation to ensure proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation restricting mechanism provides feedback based on the attachment state. The restricting member is movable between restricting and allowable positions, and its position is determined by the attachment status of the container, ensuring that rotation is only allowed when the container is properly attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250362628A1Image forming system
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 CANON KK
  • US20250362628A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362628A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362628A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An attached portion of an image forming apparatus includes a rotating member of which at least a part is exposed outside the image forming apparatus when the developer container is attached, and a rotation restricting mechanism that is movable between a restricting position to restrict rotation of the rotating member and an allowable position to allow rotation of the rotating member, and includes a restricting member that is at the restricting position when the developer container is not attached. The developer container is attached to the attached portion so that the discharging portion engaging portion and the shutter engaging portions are engaged with the frame engaged portions and the rotating member engaged portions respectively when the container shutter is in the close state, and the restricting member moves from the restricting position to the allowable position when the developer container is attached to the attached portion.