Rotatable Toner Container Flange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively replenishing toner in developing containers, requiring frequent replacement of process cartridges and lacking a convenient method for toner supply without exchanging entire units.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a rotatable member, discharge opening, and flange portion that allows for easy toner supply by rotating the pack-side shutter to open or shield the discharge port, enabling toner to be replenished without replacing the entire process unit, and a cap to protect and position the toner pack securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire process cartridge is replaced when toner runs out, then the image forming system can continue operation, but the cost and time for replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process cartridge is divided into separable components: the developing container (which remains in the apparatus) and the toner pack (which can be independently replaced). This segmentation allows users to replace only the toner pack when toner runs out, rather than replacing the entire process cartridge, thereby reducing replacement time and cost while maintaining operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The toner pack is extracted as a separate removable component from the developing container. The toner pack includes the accommodating portion for toner and the end portion with the rotatable member and discharge opening. This extraction enables independent replacement of the toner pack without removing the developing container, solving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and reducing replacement time
2Productivity
If a toner supply mechanism is added to allow toner replenishment, then replacement frequency decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end portion of the toner pack is designed to be rotatable about a rotational axis, transforming a static container into a dynamic one. The rotatable member with the discharge opening can be rotated to open or close the toner supply path. This dynamic mechanism allows controlled toner replenishment without requiring complex automated supply systems, balancing productivity improvement with acceptable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable member provides a simple curved/rotational motion mechanism instead of linear or complex multi-axis movements. This spherical/rotational approach simplifies the supply mechanism while enabling effective toner replenishment, reducing device complexity compared to more elaborate automated systems
3Ease of operation
If the discharge opening is always open for toner supply, then toner replenishment is easy, but toner leakage and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable member dynamically controls the discharge opening state, switching between open and closed positions. When closed, the discharge opening is shielded to prevent toner leakage and contamination. When open, toner can be replenished easily. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge opening is extracted as a separate controllable element from the main container body, allowing independent control of the opening state. The rotatable member with the discharge opening can be rotated to expose or shield the opening as needed, enabling convenient toner supply while preventing leakage when not in use
4Ease of operation
If the rotatable member is positioned far from the accommodating portion, then toner discharge control is improved, but container length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the rotatable member far along the longitudinal axis of the container, the invention positions it at the end portion and utilizes rotational motion in a different dimension. The rotatable member rotates about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, allowing effective discharge control without increasing container length significantly
Data Source
AI summary
A container for accommodating a content of powder or a liquid includes an accommodating portion; an end portion including a rotatable member and a discharging portion which includes a discharge opening and a passage, wherein the end portion is on a side opposite from the accommodating portion with respect to a rotational axis direction; and a flange portion extending in a radial direction of a phantom circle about the rotational axis, wherein as viewed in the rotational axis direction, an outer edge of the flange portion includes an arcuate portion which is on an outermost side of the end portion with respect to the radial direction and which is formed along the phantom circle about the rotational axis and includes a connecting portion which connects a first point and a second point on the phantom circle and which is provided in a region inside the phantom circle.