Image Forming Device With External Toner Supply Ports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices, including color printers, face high running costs due to the need for external toner supply, which is not efficiently addressed in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
The image forming device incorporates a housing with an opening and a cover that can move between closed and open positions, featuring multiple process cartridges with supply ports that allow toner to be replenished externally, and a supplying device with mechanisms for toner communication and passage to developing devices, ensuring seamless toner supply without interference from ejected sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional image forming device is used with external toner supply, then running costs can be reduced, but toner spillage may occur and toner supply may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cover structure that mediates between the external toner supply source and the developing device. This cover includes a supply port that can be selectively opened or closed, allowing controlled toner transfer while preventing unauthorized access and potential spillage. The intermediary structure enables external toner replenishment without compromising the reliability of the toner supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the toner supply system into distinct functional zones: an external toner storage area, a controlled transfer region through the supply port, and the internal developing device. This segmentation allows independent management of each zone, enabling cost-effective external toner supply while maintaining system reliability through isolated controlled access points.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to allow external toner supply, then toner can be replenished, but ejected sheets may interfere with the supply process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the supply port and toner replenishment mechanism in a spatial dimension that is separate from the sheet ejection path. The supply port is configured to receive toner from above or from the side, while sheets are ejected in a different direction or plane. This dimensional separation allows the cover to be opened for toner supply without sheets interfering with the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary structure that provides a dedicated access path for toner supply that is independent of the sheet ejection path. By opening the cover, users can access the supply port through a controlled opening that does not expose the entire internal space to ejected sheets, thus preventing sheet interference while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple process cartridges are used, then color printing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cover structure and supply port design that can serve multiple process cartridges simultaneously. The cover is configured to provide access to supply ports of different color cartridges through a unified opening mechanism. This multi-functional design allows the same cover structure to manage cyan, magenta, yellow, and black cartridges, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from having separate access mechanisms for each cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the access and protection functions for multiple process cartridges into a single integrated cover structure. Instead of having separate covers or access points for each cartridge, the design combines these functions into one unified cover that can be opened to expose supply ports for multiple cartridges. This merging reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining full color printing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device is provided with a housing formed with an opening, a cover configured to move between a closing position and an opening position, and a plurality of process cartridges including a first process cartridge and a second process cartridge. The first and second process cartridges respectively include first and second photosensitive drums configured to rotate about first and second drum axes both extending in a first direction. The first and second developing devices are configured to supply toner to the first and second photosensitive drums, respectively. The first and second supplying devices are formed with first and second supply ports through which the toner to be supplied to the first and second developing devices are provided, respectively. Both the first and second supplying ports are opened to outside the housing.