Shutter Locking Mechanism for Toner Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with toner leakage during shipping due to the shutter opening when toner containers are packed together, leading to fluctuations in image density and compromised sealing properties, especially when flexible sealing members are used.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a locking mechanism that keeps the shutter closed during shipping and opens it only during normal use, featuring a movable connecting member that forms a toner conveying path and includes locking portions to manage the sealing and connection between the toner container and the apparatus main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shutter is opened in conjunction with the mounting of the toner container, then the toner container can be connected to the toner receiving portion for normal use, but the toner leaks from the discharge port during shipping causing fluctuations in image density
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is pre-configured to open automatically when the toner container is mounted to the apparatus main body. This preliminary action ensures that during normal operation, the shutter is already in the open position allowing toner to flow from the toner container to the toner receiving portion, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable toner containment during shipping when the container is not mounted.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting portion is subjected to shear force from shutter sliding operation, then the shutter can be opened for toner discharge, but the sealing properties for the toner are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion is segmented into a fixed portion attached to the apparatus main body and a movable portion that can slide relative to the fixed portion. The shutter is connected to the movable portion, allowing the shutter to slide open for toner discharge while the fixed portion remains stationary and maintains the sealing connection to the toner container, thus preventing sealing impairment despite the sliding operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible sealing member is used as the connecting portion, then the connection can be adaptable, but the sealing properties are reduced due to deformation of the sealing member
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion is divided into fixed and movable portions, with the flexible sealing member specifically attached to the fixed portion. This segmentation ensures that the sealing member remains stationary and does not deform during the sliding operation of the movable portion, maintaining reliable sealing properties while still allowing the movable portion to provide adaptability for connection and disconnection operations.
4Quantity of substance
If the toner container and main body are packed in the same package, then the packing size is reduced and packing materials are saved, but the shutter opens during shipping causing toner leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is pre-configured to open automatically when the toner container is mounted to the apparatus main body. During shipping, since the toner container is not mounted, the shutter remains closed, preventing toner leakage. This preliminary configuration allows the toner container and main body to be packed together without requiring additional protective materials, reducing packing size and material usage while maintaining reliable toner containment during shipping.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a holding member holding a toner container with a discharge port, and a shutter opening/closing the discharge port and having a communicating port communicable with the discharge port; a connecting member forming a toner conveying path, and connecting to/retracting from the shutter in conjunction with an operation of mounting/removing the toner container; a first locking portion movable between a first position to locate the shutter in a non-communicating position and a second position to lock the shutter in a communicating position when the toner container is mounted; and a second locking portion locatable in a position to connect the connecting member to the shutter, and in a position to lock the connecting member in a position where the connecting member is separated away from the shutter when the toner container is mounted.