Storage Container Shutter Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner storage containers for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require excessive force to open and close due to multiple inlets and outlets, leading to difficulty in operation and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design with a first shutter that opens in synchronization with attachment to the open-close member and a second shutter that opens and closes the second opening portion in synchronization with the open-close member's operation, reducing the force required for attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inlets and outlets are disposed on the toner storage container and toner transport means, then toner transfer functionality is improved, but the force required to open and close the cover increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is divided into multiple independent shutter units (first shutter, second shutter) that can operate separately. Each shutter controls a specific inlet or outlet, allowing selective opening and closing without requiring simultaneous operation of all shutters, thereby reducing the total force needed to open or close the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutters are designed to open and close dynamically during the cover opening/closing process. The first shutter opens when the cover starts opening, and the second shutter closes when the cover starts closing, creating a dynamic sequence that reduces resistance and required force compared to static shutters that must all be opened simultaneously.
2Reliability
If multiple shutters are disposed on multiple inlets and outlets, then toner leakage prevention is improved, but the complexity of the cover mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shutter control functions are merged into a single cover operation. The cover's opening and closing motion simultaneously controls the first and second shutters through integrated mechanical linkages, reducing the number of independent control mechanisms while maintaining reliable toner leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The first shutter opens in advance when the cover begins to open, preparing the system for toner transfer before the cover is fully opened. Similarly, the second shutter closes in advance when the cover begins to close, ensuring toner containment is re-established before the cover is fully closed. This preliminary action sequence simplifies the overall control mechanism while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a technique to reduce force required for opening or closing a cover disposed in an image forming apparatus, the present invention provides a storage container that is attached to an open-close door in a state where the open-close door is open to expose inside of the image forming apparatus, and that is disposed in a predetermined attaching position in the image forming apparatus by closing of the open-close door. The storage container has an inlet for toner to enter, and a storage portion to store the toner. The inlet is opened in synchronization with operation of attaching the storage container to the open-close door, and the inlet is closed in synchronization with operation of detaching the storage container from the open-close door.