Developing Unit Toner Resupply Through Intermediate Receptacles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently resupplying toner to developer containers without requiring the replacement of the entire developer container.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus is equipped with multiple developing units, each with a developer container and a developing roller, and includes mount sections for resupply packages that allow toner to be replenished from outside the apparatus, utilizing intermediate receptacles and conveyance passages for seamless toner distribution to the developer containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If toner is resupplied by replacing the entire developer container, then the developer container can be fully replenished, but the operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner quantityVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The developer container is divided into two separable parts: the container body and the toner supply package. The toner supply package can be independently attached and detached, allowing toner resupply without replacing the entire developer container. This segmentation enables quick toner replenishment by simply attaching a new toner supply package to the existing container body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The toner supply function is extracted as a separate detachable package from the developer container. This extracted toner supply package can be independently manufactured, stored, and replaced, allowing the main developer container to remain in use while only the toner supply component is exchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple developer containers are used in the image forming apparatus, then different developers can be accommodated, but the apparatus complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper type varietyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The developer container is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of developers (e.g., two-component and three-component developers). The container body and mounting interface are standardized to work with different toner supply packages, allowing the same container to serve multiple functions and support various developer types without requiring separate specialized containers for each developer type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12585212B2Image forming apparatus having developing units that can be re-supplied with developer from resupply packages

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a first unit having a first container and a first roller; a second unit having a second container and a second roller; a first section to which a first container is attachable and having a first frame with a first inlet; a second section to which a second container is attachable and having a second frame with a second inlet; a first receptacle provided below the first mount section and communicating with the first inlet; a second receptacle provided below the second mount section and communicating with the second inlet; a first passage extending from the first receptacle to the first container; first means for conveying toner through the first passage; a second passage extending from the second receptacle to the second container; and second means for conveying toner through the second passage.